Sundays In The Kitchen – How To Make Polenta
Polenta may sound like a fancy, complicated dish however, it’s quite the opposite! It’s quick, easy and versatile. You may have seen it pre-made in the grocery stores like this…
But, why buy it when you can make it yourself?! It all starts with this…
Place 4 cups water in a large saucepan and set to high…
I used a mix of water and a little chicken stock in mine, but for a milder flavor, stick with water…
Add 1/2 tsp. salt …
You can add other herbs or seasonings, if you’re getting all crazy. Or you could be boring like me 
Yawn.
While waiting not watching for the pot of water to boil, assemble your ingredients – 1 cup cornmeal, 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tbsp. butter…
And grab your weapon…
When water reaches a boil, SLOWLY and VERY GRADUALLY, add in cornmeal, while whisking furiously…
Do not try to take pictures during the process or you will get ginormous lumps and clumps as seen above. Ewwwww.
<insert big daughter photographing>
When all the cornmeal has been added, reduce heat to medium low. Let mixture cook about 10 minutes longer. Make sure to whisk often…
Remove pan from heat; sprinkle in cheese…
And buttah…
Be not afraid! It’s only one tablespoon of butter! It adds a nice richness and silkiness to the polenta.
You can serve the polenta immediately. It makes a great side dish or even breakfast…
You can also spread it into a shallow dish and refrigerate until firm…
then slice into squares or cut into rounds as a base for other dishes like these…
Taco topped polenta rounds
Polenta cubes with eggplant and tomatoes
Polenta “toast” with egg, sauteed spinach and bacon
Enjoy!
*The polenta recipe makes 4 servings at 5 PointsPlus per serving*
Have you tried polenta? What’s your favorite way to eat it?
Questions? Email me! aloserforlife@gmail.com
34 comments
Okay. You’ve inspired me to give it a try. First step, buy cornmeal!
I think I’ve only tried polenta once at a restaurant, never made it myself or bought it. I have corn meal in the house though, so I might have to give this a try. Your dishes look delish with it
Happy Monday Marisa!
Bought a roll at the grocery the other day as my “new” item for the week. Gotta figure out what to do with it! I like the toast idea!
I double love your Sunday’s in The Kitchen!
I LOVE polenta and make it almost like you do.
I LOVE polenta, every which way!! I think one of my favorites is to top the still warm, just cooked polenta with a poached egg and sauteed greens, and, if I have it, drizzle it with some tzatziki!
Marisa Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
That sounds delicious, Tyla!
I love, love polenta. Actually I just had it the other night. Polenta Pizza Bake! Yummy!
I love polenta! I love it so much. I make it myself the exact same way!
I love polenta but haven’t made it myself – I have made cheesy grits and shrimp which is very similar.
I have made a similar dish with the taco toppings – it is very good.
It’s funny – with an Italian mom you’d think I’ve had polenta, right? But…her mother always made her eat it even though she HATED it, so my mom NEVER made polenta for us, and thus – I’ve never had it!
I’ll def try to make it, though – its a good way to use that bag of corn meal I’ve had sitting in my cabinet…
Marisa Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
I never liked it growing up! Actually, I don’t think my Mom made it that much, either!
Nope never had it and doubt the family would try it if I made it, although we very very very seldon eat some thing similar ‘pap’ a traditional african dish made with maize meal.
I have never tried it, looks good! Love the little “tacos”.
PS I have a fridge full of Salad kits for the week!
Marisa Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Yay for salad kits! They really are a lunch saver!
Polenta kinda reminds this southern girl of grits.
oooo i’ve been dying to try polenta for so long, i think i’ll need to try it soon
oh i made your black bean chili dip last night, yummo 
thanks for the recipe!
Marisa Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Glad you liked it, Marlene!
I’ll admit it, I have never made polenta from scratch. Thanks for the how-to!
Great tutorial Marisa! I love polenta and my favorite is just the basic recipe like you made here and have it as a side dish with any protein source. My kids like it sliced and pan fried with a little olive oil with Italian sausages and onions and peppers on the side.
Good eats!
Marisa Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Oh my goodness. That sounds so amazing!
This looks so good and easy! I can’t wait to try it
Thanks!!!!
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I’ve never tried it, and have barely heard of polenta before. Looks yummy though! Cheers, Rick
Looks simple enough! I’ve never had polenta- I’ll have to try it!
I’m not a huge polenta fan but the most recent thing I did with it was spread it into a pizza pan and bake it until browned on the edges, then topped with a mixture of cooked mushrooms, spinach, bacon and some fontina cheese. Polenta pizza–very good!
Marisa Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Yum! Everything is good with fontina and bacon!!!
I’ve never had polenta, but you’ve inspired me to try!
Thanks for embracing the polenta, everyone!!! Loved hearing all the ways you guys like to eat it and that some of you may give it a try!
Your food is beautiful! funny that you needed to hire a photographer during the whisking process
I’ve never tried it or made it! I HAVE seen that exact product several times at TJ’s but haven’t picked it up – I may try polenta – and I love the round up of ideas you have!
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sounds delicious YUMMY!!
My Italian American mother never cooked polenta but my introduction to polenta came from my MIL. She immigrated to this country with her husband in the late 50’s with two school age children, one which was later to become my husband. On one cold wintry day at her home for dinner she served us polenta-the way it was prepared & served in her hometown of Italy. She placed a huge wooden cutting board on the kitchen table and proceeded to pour & spread out the polenta onto it. Then she spooned red sauce all over it and in the middle of it all placed meatballs, pork & sausage pieces. We were each only given a fork and told to “dig in”. What fun it was for our daughters. No plates or bowls. When we all felt we were done forking our way around the polenta, we would then discuss what “shape” the polenta looked like.
OMG! It’s the yellow tortillas my mom makes from cornmeal. She doesn’t use chicken stock, just salt and water. Then she takes the mass and makes little patties, but a small piece of cheese inside and fries them on the pan. I told her to NOT fry mine this weekend, instead I would heat them up with a little PAM. They were just as good just a little less crunchy than the ones they ate. I’ll have to show her this! Thanks for all the ideas how to use the cornmeal.