Basic Polenta Recipe: How to Make Classic Italian Polenta
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Dec 18, 2024 • 1 min read
If you have yellow cornmeal and a pot, you can make polenta. This simple Italian dish is a great base for ragùs, roasted or sautéed vegetables, tomato sauce, and other comfort foods.
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What Is Polenta?
Polenta is a porridge made of coarse- or medium-ground cornmeal common in Northern Italian cooking. Some polenta varieties include other grains like ground buckwheat or ground rice. A coarse-ground polenta yields a thicker mixture that is best for frying and baking until crispy, while a medium-ground polenta yields a creamy texture that makes a great side dish for stews or slow-roasted meats, like pot roast.
Simple Polenta Recipe
makes
prep time
10 mintotal time
40 mincook time
30 minIngredients
- 1
In a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat, bring 4 cups of water to a strong boil.
- 2
Add the polenta to the boiling water in a steady stream, whisking continually.
- 3
Once you’ve added all the polenta, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue whisking until the polenta no longer sinks to the bottom of the pot, about 2 minutes.
- 4
Add salt and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until polenta is creamy, about 30 minutes.
- 5
For a cheesy polenta, finish with butter and parmesan cheese. For a vegan polenta, add a drizzle of olive oil.
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