Firm Polenta

Transform humble cornmeal into a versatile culinary masterpiece with this Firm Polenta recipe, a comforting and gluten-free dish perfect as a side or a standalone meal. Made by slowly simmering yellow cornmeal in salted water, this polenta achieves a satisfyingly thick consistency before being enriched with creamy butter and optional Parmesan cheese for a touch of indulgence. Once set in a baking dish, the polenta solidifies into a firm, sliceable base that can be served as-is or elevated with a quick grill or pan-fry to develop a golden crust. Ideal for pairing with everything from roasted vegetables to hearty stews, this easy-to-make recipe offers endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen. Whether served fresh or stored for later use, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups Water
• 1 cup Yellow cornmeal (polenta)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Olive oil or additional butter (for greasing)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Once the water is boiling, add the salt and reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a steady stream to prevent clumping.

Step 4

Continue whisking constantly for the first 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.

Step 5

Switch to a wooden spoon and cook the polenta over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 30-35 minutes or until the polenta pulls away from the sides of the pan and is very thick. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 6

Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese (if using) until fully incorporated.

Step 7

Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or a small loaf pan with olive oil or butter.

Step 8

Pour the hot polenta into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 9

Let the polenta cool at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, or until it solidifies and becomes firm.

Step 10

Once firm, you can slice the polenta into squares, triangles, or any desired shape. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use.

Step 11

For added flavor, grill or pan-fry the polenta slices with a little olive oil or butter before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1298.2 grams (1298.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1382

Total Fat 48.90g	63%
Saturated Fat 25.90g	130%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 110mg	37%
Sodium 3314mg	144%
Total Carbohydrate 192.00g	70%
Dietary Fiber 9.40g	34%
Total Sugars 1.40g
Protein 44.40g	89%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 723mg	56%
Iron 7mg	36%
Potassium 406mg	9%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.8%

Protein: 12.8%

Carbs: 55.4%