Creamy Polenta
User Reviews
5
Creamy Polenta
Description
This Creamy Polenta recipe uses a 5-to-1 water-to-polenta ratio to achieve a smooth, non-gritty consistency through long, gentle cooking with frequent stirring. The mixture transforms from coarse cornmeal into a thick yet creamy porridge as it cooks uncovered on medium-low heat. Adding butter and generous amounts of aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at the end enhances the flavor and texture, creating a rich but delicate dish.
The mild flavor and luxurious texture make polenta a versatile accompaniment for meats, vegetables, or sauces. It can be eaten soft or allowed to firm up and then sliced. The stable texture holds well over time.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to three days and can be reheated gently with added water to restore creaminess. Adjust seasoning before serving as needed. This recipe can be scaled for larger quantities while maintaining the watery ratio for best results.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (160g) polenta
- 5 cups (1.2kg) water
- 1 cup (90g) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese plus more to taste, grated
- 4 tablespoons (56g) butter unsalted
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Bring a deep pot filled with 5 cups of water to boil.
- Once boiling whisk in the polenta and stir frequently. Once the polenta starts splattering, lower the heat to medium-low and cover, leaving the lid partially cracked open.
- Continue to cook at moderate heat, stirring every so often while wiping down the sides of the pot, until the polenta is completely smooth and no longer gritty (about 50-60 minutes).
- If the polenta becomes too thick, add more water, about a 1/2 cup at a time, and stir until creamy.
- Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the butter and cheese. Season with salt and more cheese to taste and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a 5:1 water to polenta ratio for a smooth and creamy texture, which is more than the traditional 4:1.
- Stir frequently during cooking and wipe down pot sides to prevent splattering and sticking.
- If polenta thickens too much, add water gradually to loosen it back to desired consistency.
- Leftovers keep refrigerated up to 3 days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop with added water.
- This recipe scales easily for larger servings without changing the water ratio.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 313 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 313kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 31.2g | 10% |
| Protein | 10.2g | 20% |
| Fat | 16.7g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 10.5g | 53% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 874mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 4mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.4g | 1% |
| Calcium | 205mg | 21% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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