Instant Pot Polenta
User Reviews
5
Instant Pot Polenta
Description
This recipe offers two Instant Pot methods: the first combines polenta, salt, and liquid directly in the pot, cooking under high pressure for 10 minutes with natural release; the second uses a smaller pot inside the Instant Pot to prevent sticking and "Burn" errors. Coarsely ground polenta yields more texture, while finer grinds produce a creamier dish. Cooking liquid choice, either water or unsalted chicken stock, influences flavor subtly.
Once cooked, butter and grated Parmesan cheese enhance richness and taste. Serving polenta immediately ensures optimal texture because it thickens upon standing. Choosing the right grind and liquid allows customization for desired creaminess and firmness.
Using a 3-quart Instant Pot inner pot inside a larger model helps prevent burning and simplifies cleanup for the pot-in-pot method. This technique also supports consistent cooking results. The recipe advises rating the dish to share feedback.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (195g) polenta coarsely ground, not quick-cooking
- 4 cups (1L) - 4½ cups (1.125L) water or unsalted chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon (7g) salt plus more, fine
- black pepper freshly ground
- 2½ tablespoons (36g) butter unsalted
- Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, ½ to 1 cup (32g -64g), optional
Instructions
- Method One - Directly Cook Polenta in Instant Pot: Add ingredients in Instant Pot in the following order. Add 1 tsp (7g) fine salt, 4 cups (1L) to 4½ cups (1.125L) unsalted chicken stock in Instant Pot. Add in 1 cup (195g) coarsely ground polenta. Do NOT Mix!With Venting Knob in Venting Position, close the lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position. Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 10 minutes, then Natural Release for 15 minutes. Remove the lid carefully.*Pro Tip: To avoid the "Burn" Error, it's best to use Method 2. You don’t have to worry about anything sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Method Two - Pot in Pot Polenta: Add 2 cups (500ml) water, a trivet in the larger Instant Pot inner pot. Add ingredients to your smaller stainless steel pot in the following order: add in 1 tsp (7g) fine salt, 1 cup (195g) coarsely ground polenta. Add in 4 cups (1L) to 4½ cups (1.125L) unsalted chicken stock. Place the smaller pot on the trivet. *Pro Tip: If you don't have a low-profile trivet, place the smaller pot directly in the water. With Venting Knob in Venting Position, close the lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position. Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 15 minutes, then Natural Release for 15 minutes. Remove the lid carefully.
- Add Butter & Season: The polenta will look a bit watery at first. Add in 2.5 tbsp (36g) unsalted butter, then mix until desired consistency with a whisk. Optionally, mix in ½ cup to 1 cup (32g - 64g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season & Serve: Taste and season polenta with more salt if necessary. For reference, we added 1 to 2 small pinches of salt. Serve this soft & creamy polenta immediately with your favorite main dishes, sauces, or veggies.
Notes
- Coarse polenta gives a firmer, grainy texture; fine polenta yields a softer, creamier result, so select based on preference.
- You may use water, unsalted chicken stock, or a mixture for cooking liquid to influence flavor.
- Using a 3-quart Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot for the pot-in-pot method can reduce burning and ease cleanup.
- Serve polenta immediately after cooking to maintain desired texture as it thickens upon standing.
- This recipe works with Instant Pots sized 6 to 10 quarts using the pot-in-pot method with a smaller inner pot.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 165 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 165kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 13mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 461mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 46mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 224IU | 4% |
| Calcium | 7mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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