Perfect Polenta

A creamy, rich polenta recipe, perfect as a side dish or a base for toppings.

Ingredients

  • water (4 cups)
  • fine salt (1 teaspoon)
  • polenta (1 cup)
  • butter (3 tablespoons)
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (0.5 cup)

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until there are no lumps.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often, until polenta starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Polenta mixture should still be slightly loose. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 to 6 minutes. When polenta is too thick to whisk, stir with a wooden spoon. Polenta is done when texture is creamy and the individual grains are tender. Cooking time will depend on the polenta grind.
  4. Turn off heat and gently stir 2 tablespoons butter into polenta until butter partially melts; mix 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into polenta until cheese has melted. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
  5. Stir polenta and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.

Nutrition

(*Nutrition data is approximate and may vary depending on the brand and type of ingredients used.)

  • kcal: 291
  • fat: 15 g
  • sats: 8 g
  • carbs: 31 g
  • fibre: 3 g
  • protein: 9 g
  • salt: 1 g