Herbed Polenta

Creamy, comforting, and infused with vibrant fresh herbs, this Herbed Polenta is a versatile dish that’s perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying base for your favorite toppings. Made with a rich blend of whole milk and water, this recipe creates a velvety texture that’s enhanced by the buttery goodness of Parmesan cheese. Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley lend earthy, aromatic notes, while a touch of black pepper adds gentle heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this polenta can be served warm and silky straight from the pan or cooled and sliced for grilling later. Whether you’re pairing it with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or enjoying it on its own, this herbed polenta is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that showcases the comforting essence of Italian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup coarse polenta (or cornmeal)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Directions

Step 1

In a large saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil over medium heat. Add the kosher salt to the mixture.

Step 2

Gradually whisk in the polenta in a slow, steady stream to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes as the mixture thickens.

Step 3

Cover the saucepan partially with a lid and let the polenta simmer gently. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking, for about 20 minutes or until the polenta is tender and creamy.

Step 4

Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, thyme, and parsley until fully incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with black pepper and additional salt, if needed.

Step 5

Remove the polenta from the heat and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir once more before serving to ensure an even, smooth texture.

Step 6

Serve the herbed polenta warm as a side dish, or let it cool and firm up to slice and grill later, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1453.5 grams (1453.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1225

Total Fat 69.70g	89%
Saturated Fat 41.80g	209%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 202mg	67%
Sodium 2081mg	90%
Total Carbohydrate 107.30g	39%
Dietary Fiber 5.30g	19%
Total Sugars 12.50g
Protein 48.90g	98%

Vitamin D 107IU	537%
Calcium 1269mg	98%
Iron 3mg	17%
Potassium 595mg	13%

*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: 50.1%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 34.3%