Homemade Polenta

Discover the rustic simplicity of Homemade Polenta, a versatile and comforting dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. This recipe transforms coarse yellow cornmeal into a luscious, creamy delight, slowly cooked to perfection with just water, salt, and a touch of unsalted butter. For an extra layer of indulgence, fold in grated Parmesan cheese, or finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper. Ready in just 40 minutes, this traditional Italian staple is as satisfying as it is adaptable—serve it warm and velvety as a side dish, or let it cool and slice it for grilling or frying later. Whether you're crafting a hearty base for roasted vegetables or a golden-crisp snack, this homemade polenta recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Coarse yellow cornmeal (polenta)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or additional butter for serving (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 2

Slowly pour the cornmeal into the boiling water, whisking constantly to avoid lumps forming.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the mixture starts to thicken. This should take 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Switch to a wooden spoon and continue to stir the polenta frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook the mixture for about 30-35 minutes, or until the polenta pulls away from the sides of the pan and is creamy in texture. If the polenta becomes too thick at any point, add a splash of water and stir well.

Step 5

Once cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and, if desired, the grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess and flavor.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or butter as needed.

Step 7

Serve the polenta immediately as a creamy side dish, or transfer it to a greased pan to cool and firm up for slicing and grilling or frying later.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1247.1 grams (1247.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1269

Total Fat 73.00g	94%
Saturated Fat 37.70g	189%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 157mg	52%
Sodium 4209mg	183%
Total Carbohydrate 100.00g	36%
Dietary Fiber 4.90g	18%
Total Sugars 0.70g
Protein 53.90g	108%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1384mg	106%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 306mg	7%

*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: 51.6%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 31.4%