Basic Polenta Recipe

Master the art of polenta with this easy recipe! This creamy, dreamy dish is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it soft and creamy straight from the pot, bake it into squares for a comforting side, or fry it into crispy polenta sticks for a unique appetizer. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a first-time cook, this foolproof recipe will impress. Get ready to explore endless possibilities with this adaptable Italian staple!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 111.6 kcal
Protein 5g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Basic Polenta 127

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Basic Polenta

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How to Make Basic Polenta

  1. In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring 4 cups of vegetable broth and 1 cup of water to a rolling boil.
  2. Slowly pour in 1 cup of coarse ground cornmeal while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt.
  4. Reduce heat to low, maintaining a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent sticking, for 25-30 minutes, until the polenta is creamy and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  6. Remove the polenta from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions (or chives).
  7. For creamy polenta, serve immediately. Alternatively, pour the polenta into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.
  8. Let cool completely (at least 2 hours or overnight) before cutting into squares or 1" x 2" sticks.
  9. For fried polenta: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add polenta sticks and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

18 g

Sugar

1g

Fat

0g

Carbs

7g

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