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Creamy polenta is a comfort food like no other. This simple yet tasty dish is incredibly versatile and can be eaten as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not only is it delicious and nourishing, but making it takes almost no effort at all.
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With creamy polenta, you can enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal preparation and cleanup, what’s not to love? The best part? You can top it with your favorite veggies, meat, or sauce to make an amazing meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. Try out this easy recipe and discover why creamy polenta should be a staple on your meal plan!
Looking for a breakfast version? My Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge or Jamaican Green Banana Porridge are both a perfect breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- Water: Water can also be swapped with a mixture of water and chicken or vegetable stock for added flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk will create a thick and creamy polenta.
- Polenta: Course grain yellow cornmeal is the polenta you’ll be wanting for this recipe.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese will yield a stronger flavor.
- Butter: Adds to the creamy buttery flavor.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning, add to taste.
Tools needed for this recipe
- Large pot
- Measuring cup
How To Make Creamy Polenta
In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, bring water and milk to a boil over medium-high heat.
Whisk the polenta into the boiling water, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the polenta is thick and creamy, remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Serve and enjoy.
How to store
Allow the polenta to cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Creamy Polenta Variations
This classic creamy polenta recipe is a wonderful base for any variation you throw at it. Enjoy!
More cheese! – Grated parmesan cheese is great, but why not try fresh? Get creative with the cheese, try gorgonzola, sharp white cheddar, or fontina cheese.
Sauteed mushrooms & spinach – Top your creamy polenta with a generous helping of beautifully seasoned sauteed mushrooms and spinach.
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy – Use in place of mashed potatoes for this delicious Salisbury steak with gravy.
Creamy Polenta Serving Suggestions
Polenta can really take place of any pasta, potato, or rice dish. Make this recipe a hearty addition to any balanced protein and vegetable dish.
Serve this creamy polenta with any of these delicious greens!
- Turnip Greens
- Sautéed Beet Greens
- Southern Style Pressure Cooker Collard Greens Recipe
FAQ’s
Is polenta better with milk or water?
Polenta with milk will create a thicker and creamier texture, while water can be easily flavored with stock concentrates. Using water will let the natural corn flavor shine through.
Notes
- Polenta will thicken as it cools. Once cooled, it can be sliced and served as well.
- If slicing, saute or grill for extra flavor.
Looking for more side dish recipes? Try these out:
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Oven Roasted Broccoli
- Turnip Greens
- Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Creamy Polenta Recipe
Creamy polenta is a comfort food like no other. This simple yet tasty dish is incredibly versatile and can be eaten as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not only is it delicious and nourishing, but making it takes almost no effort at all.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword creamy polenta recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 287kcal
Author Tanya
Ingredients
- 3 cups Water
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Polenta
- 1/2 cup Grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, bring water and milk to a boil over medium-high heat. Whisk the polenta into the boiling water, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the polenta is thick and creamy, remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Polenta will thicken as it cools. Once cooled, it can be sliced and served as well.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 878mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 467IU | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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