Creamy Polenta

This creamy polenta is made with cornmeal, butter, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for a smooth and rich texture. Perfect as a side dish, it pairs with roasted meats, sautéed vegetables, or hearty stews. Easy to make, comforting, and versatile for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 4 cups cold water
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the polenta: In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine cornmeal, cold water, and salt. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent lumps.
2. Simmer and stir: Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring often to prevent sticking. Cook until the cornmeal grains are tender and fully cooked, about 45 minutes.
3. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve immediately while creamy and hot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy polenta is smooth, comforting, and versatile. It makes a perfect base for roasted vegetables, meats, or seafood and can also be served as a simple, satisfying side dish.

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Tips

• Stir frequently to prevent lumps and sticking.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking.
• For extra creaminess, finish with a splash of milk or cream.
• Let it rest slightly before serving to thicken if desired.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap Parmigiano-Reggiano with Pecorino Romano or Gruyère.
• Butter alternatives: Use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Liquid options: Replace some water with chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for extra aroma.

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FAQs

Can I make polenta ahead of time?
Yes, cook ahead and keep warm. Reheat with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.

Can I use instant polenta?
Yes, but cooking time will be shorter, usually 5–10 minutes.

How thick should polenta be?
Polenta should be pourable and creamy when served. Stir in additional liquid if it thickens too much.

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Serving

Serve creamy polenta as a side dish with roasted meats, sautéed vegetables, or stews. It also pairs well with mushrooms, seafood, or grilled cheese.

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Suggestions

• Top with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs for a simple appetizer.
• Layer with tomato sauce and cheese for a polenta bake.
• Use cooled polenta slices for grilling or frying as a crispy side dish.