Easy Italian Polenta Recipe
The possibilities are endless with this comforting, creamy, smooth, and sensational Italian Polenta Recipe. With only 5 ingredients and 10 minutes you will have the perfect side to any meal. Polenta is a true Italian speciality! Serve as a side or enjoy plain with added soft cheese of choice!
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 16 ounces quick cooking polenta 1 pound, (if you use coarse ground adjust liquid)
- 6 cups boiling water
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or butter
- ½ cup parmigiano cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
Instructions
- Boil water with salt in a medium-large pot. Add polenta and stir vigorously. Stir on medium-high heat for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Turn to low heat and keep stirring for another minute or two.
- Take off the heat and add olive oil or butter, parmigiano, and heavy cream. Stir until combined and creamy texture.
- Sprinkle with extra cheese and enjoy plain or as a side dish.
Notes
- Make sure you stir constantly. Constant stirring is important so the polenta doesn't clump. In Italy polenta is stirred with a handmade custom wooden spoon.
- Salt is key. Like cooking pasta perfectly, you wan to make sure you use salted water to flavor the polenta. Use less salt if using chicken or veggie stock which is likely already salted.
- Make sure to grate your own cheese. Grating cheese from the block is essential for the best flavor and texture. Feel free to add extra cheese on top!
- Serving tip: Polenta can dry out quickly and even become hard. Make sure to serve polenta hot and keep it covered. You can always reheat and add a little more liquid to make the soft polenta again.
Nutrition
Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 389IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 1mg
