4.8
(272)
222 Reviews
42 Photos
Polenta is nothing more than coarsely ground cornmeal. The classic ratio is 1 part polenta to 4 parts water, but I like to measure the polenta just a little scant of a full cup. I often use chicken broth instead of water. It's a great base for any kind of saucy meat or mushroom ragout.
By
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes.He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
Updated on May 22, 2024
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
4
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Ingredients
4 cups water
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup polenta
3 tablespoons butter, divided
½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for garnish
Directions
Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until there are no lumps.
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.
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.
Stir polenta and transfer to a serving bowl. Top polenta with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.
Chef's Note
Cooking time will depend on the polenta grind, so you'll have to adjust accordingly.
Editor's Note:
This pairs perfectly with our beef short ribs recipe.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
291 | Calories |
15g | Fat |
31g | Carbs |
9g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe4 | |
Calories291 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat15g | 19% |
Saturated Fat8g | 41% |
Cholesterol33mg | 11% |
Sodium1186mg | 52% |
Total Carbohydrate31g | 11% |
Dietary Fiber3g | 10% |
Total Sugars2g | |
Protein9g | 18% |
Vitamin C12mg | 13% |
Calcium202mg | 16% |
Iron4mg | 21% |
Potassium15mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Photos of How to Make Perfect Polenta
01of 42
Photo byAllrecipes Member
02of 42
Photo byoxycocus
03of 42
Photo byAllrecipes Member
04of 42
Photo byLacyanne
05of 42
Photo byAllrecipes Member
06of 42
Photo byAllrecipes Member
07of 42
Photo byDREGINEK
08of 42
Photo byAllrecipes Member
09of 42
Photo byAllrecipes Member
10of 42
Photo byRaymond Waters
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- Next