Best 6 Perfect Microwave Polenta From Goodhousekeeping Recipes

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Polenta, a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal, is a versatile and delicious staple that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's easy to make and can be customized with a variety of flavors and toppings. Whether you prefer it creamy and soft or firm and crispy, this guide from Good Housekeeping will help you achieve the perfect microwave polenta every time. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes in the microwave, you'll have a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

MICROWAVE POLENTA



Microwave Polenta image

This easy polenta tastes rich and hearty -- even when made with low-fat milk and water -- and is the perfect foil for scallops topped with a zesty tomato compote.

Categories     microwave     polenta     side dish     italian     cornmeal

Time 12m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 1/4 c. boiling water
1 c. low-fat (1%) milk
3/4 c. yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 tsp. salt

Steps:

  • In deep 2 1/2-quart microwave-safe bowl or casserole, stir boiling water, milk, cornmeal, and salt. Cover with waxed paper and cook in microwave on High 5 minutes.
  • Remove bowl from microwave and whisk mixture vigorously until smooth (mixture will be lumpy at first). Microwave, covered, on High 2 to 3 minutes longer or until thickened, whisking once after cooking is over. Makes 3 cups.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 120 calories

PERFECT MICROWAVE POLENTA (FROM GOODHOUSEKEEPING)



PERFECT MICROWAVE POLENTA (FROM GOODHOUSEKEEPING) image

Categories     Side     Quick & Easy

Yield 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 1/4 cup(s) boiling water
1 cup(s) low-fat (1%) milk
3/4 cup(s) yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt

Steps:

  • 1. In deep 2 1/2-quart microwave-safe bowl or casserole, stir boiling water, milk, cornmeal, and salt. Cover with waxed paper and cook in microwave on High 5 minutes. 2. Remove bowl from microwave and whisk mixture vigorously until smooth (mixture will be lumpy at first). Microwave, covered, on High 2 to 3 minutes longer or until thickened, whisking once after cooking is over.

HOW TO MAKE PERFECT POLENTA



How to Make Perfect Polenta image

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 perfect base for any kind of saucy meat or mushroom ragout.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Polenta Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

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

Steps:

  • Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until all polenta is stirred in and 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 5 minutes to thicken; stir and taste for salt before transferring to a serving bowl. Top polenta with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291.2 calories, Carbohydrate 31 g, Cholesterol 33.4 mg, Fat 14.7 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 9.2 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 1186.1 mg, Sugar 2 g

MICROWAVE POLENTA FOR TWO



Microwave Polenta for Two image

This recipe is so fast and easy you can serve polenta as a side dish any time. When it is done cooking, you can swirl in one or more additional flavor builders such as a tablespoon of butter, a tablespoon or two of parmesan cheese, chopped chives, fresh-ground pepper, or a tablespoon or two of half-and-half. This makes two generous servings with no leftovers.

Provided by Heirloom Tomato

Categories     Low Protein

Time 13m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

1/2 cup polenta
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Place polenta, water and salt in a 2-quart bowl.
  • Microwave on high for eight minutes, then stir.
  • If the polenta is not thick enough, return to microwave for two more minutes.
  • Add flavoring ingredients to suit you and your meal, such as butter, grated parmesan, pepper, fresh chives, and a little cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 110.4, Fat 1.1, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 308.5, Carbohydrate 23.4, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 0.2, Protein 2.5

MICROWAVE POLENTA



Microwave Polenta image

This is an easier way to make Polenta Microwave Polenta Use microwave.With 700 or more power. microwave safe container, (round is better) Ratio.

Provided by Sergio Dorothy G P

Categories     Low Protein

Time 30m

Yield 2-3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup yellow cornmeal
3 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt (less salt required if using soup base)
1 tablespoon rosemary (optional) or 1 tablespoon thyme (optional)

Steps:

  • You may have to adjust ratio, depending on altitude and or type of flour.
  • I use a Pyrex round unit with lid, large enough to hold (7) seven cups water and (2) two cups cornmeal flour, Mix flour with water and salt , and microwave at f ull power for 22 to 26 minutes, (depending on power and quantity) stopping to stir every five to six minutes.
  • Suggestions.
  • You can substitute some broth or milk, not too much milk or it may boil over.
  • Makes 2-3 servings (2 with some leftovers).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.8, Fat 2.2, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 615.2, Carbohydrate 46.9, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 0.4, Protein 5

PERFECT SOFT POLENTA



Perfect Soft Polenta image

Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups chicken stock or water
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
2 cups coarse polenta (not quick-cooking)
1/4 cup mascarpone
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • In a 4-quart saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the stock and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Slowly whisk in the polenta. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the polenta is hydrated, about 2 hours.
  • Remove from the heat and whisk in the mascarpone, Parmesan and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve topped with a drizzle of olive oil and more Parmesan, if desired.

Tips:

  • Use coarse-ground cornmeal for a polenta with a more rustic texture. Medium-ground or fine-ground cornmeal will yield a smoother polenta.
  • Bring the water to a boil before adding the cornmeal. This will help prevent the polenta from becoming lumpy.
  • Whisk the cornmeal into the boiling water slowly, in a steady stream. This will help prevent the polenta from clumping.
  • Cook the polenta for the full amount of time indicated in the recipe. Undercooked polenta will be gritty and unpleasant to eat.
  • Stir the polenta frequently while it is cooking. This will help prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the microwave-safe bowl.
  • Season the polenta with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to taste.
  • Serve the polenta hot, with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include butter, cheese, tomato sauce, or sautéed vegetables.

Conclusion:

Microwave polenta is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic Italian dish. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, polenta is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give microwave polenta a try. You won't be disappointed!

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