Best 7 Savory Crispy Polenta Recipes

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Savory crispy polenta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is made with a combination of cornmeal, water, and salt, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer it grilled, pan-fried, or baked, savory crispy polenta is a satisfying and delicious dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its crispy exterior and creamy interior, it is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from stews and braises to grilled meats and fish.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SAVORY POLENTA



Savory Polenta image

For a simple side dish, try Alton Brown's Savory Polenta recipe from Good Eats on Food Network; minced garlic and grated Parmesan add real savory depth.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for grilling or sauteing if desired
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 quart chicken stock or broth
1 cup coarse ground cornmeal
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces Parmesan, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large, oven-safe saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion and salt and sweat until the onions begin to turn translucent, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic, and saute for 1 to 2 minutes, making sure the garlic does not burn.
  • Turn the heat up to high, add the chicken stock, bring to a boil. Gradually add the cornmeal while continually whisking. Once you have added all of the cornmeal, cover the pot and place it in the oven. Cook for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every
  • 10 minutes to prevent lumps. Once the mixture is creamy, remove from the oven and add the butter, salt, and pepper. Once they are incorporated, gradually add the Parmesan.
  • Serve as is, or pour the polenta into 9 by 13-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator to cool completely.
  • Once set, turn the polenta out onto a cutting board and cut into squares, rounds, or triangles. Brush each side with olive oil and saute in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, or grill.

SAVORY POLENTA



Savory Polenta image

This is from Alton Brown's show 'Good Eats'. It makes a very creamy and flavorful polenta without using too much cheese. While this is fabulous freshly made, I wouldn't recommend making in advance. When reheated, it seems grainier than when fresh.

Provided by accidental glutton

Categories     Grains

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 quart chicken stock
1 cup coarse ground cornmeal
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In large, oven-safe saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the red onion and salt. Saute until onions begin to turn translucent.
  • Reduce heat to low & add the garlic. Saute for 1-2 minutes, making sure garlic does not burn.
  • Turn the heat up to high & add the chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
  • Gradually add the cornmeal while continually whisking.
  • Cover the saucepan and place in the oven.
  • Cook for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent lumps.
  • Once the mixture is creamy, remove from the oven and add the butter, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the parmesan.
  • Serve.

SAVORY CRISPY POLENTA



Savory Crispy Polenta image

Make and share this Savory Crispy Polenta recipe from Food.com.

Provided by BigShotsMom

Categories     Low Protein

Time 59m

Yield 1 dish, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 cups sweet onions, coarsely chopped
2 cups water
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup mexican mix grated cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 -4 tablespoons olive oil
fresh ground black pepper
red pepper flakes (to taste)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease and flour 8x8 or 7x11 baking dish.
  • Carmelize the onions in 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Do not allow to burn. Set aside.
  • Stir cornmeal and salt into 1 cup warm water. Add 1 cup boiling water and bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. Lower temperature and continue stirring until the consistency of heavy batter.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 2/3 of the onions and 3/4 of the cheese. Mix well.
  • Pour into baking dish and smooth to level. Top with reserved onions and cheese. Drizzle remaining olive oil over top. Sprinkle with freshly grated black pepper and red pepper flakes.
  • Bake 40-45 minutes or until top is golden and sides have pulled away from dish.
  • Allow to sit for 10 minutes to set, then cut into servings.

CRISPY SEASONED POLENTA SQUARES



Crispy Seasoned Polenta Squares image

Crisp polenta squares make a delightful side for a variety of main dishes. Sun-dried tomatoes and just the right amount of seasoning make them seem special...a dollop of sour cream adds the finishing touch! Shelly Fisher - Hermiston, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 40m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups water
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 egg
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 teaspoons dried cilantro flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil
9 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream

Steps:

  • In a large heavy saucepan, bring the water, tomatoes, salt, onion and garlic to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil; slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon for 15-20 minutes or until polenta is thickened and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan. Stir in cheese and oregano. Spread into a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes., Cut polenta into nine squares. In a shallow bowl, whisk egg and milk. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs and cilantro. Dip polenta in the egg mixture, then bread crumb mixture. , In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook polenta in oil in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve with sour cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 134 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 456mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CRISPY POLENTA



Crispy Polenta image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes     Dinner Side Dishes

Number Of Ingredients 6

Extra-virgin olive oil, for pan
Coarse salt
1 1/3 cups polenta (about 9 ounces)
All-purpose flour, for dusting
7 cups sunflower oil, for frying
Sea salt, for serving

Steps:

  • Brush a small rimmed baking sheet with olive oil; set aside. In a large pot, bring 6 cups water to a boil over high heat; season with salt. Slowly whisk in polenta, and cook, partially covered, and stirring every 4 to 5 minutes, over medium-low heat until it begins to thicken, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Carefully pour polenta onto prepared baking sheet, spreading it out to an even thickness. Let cool, and tear into 1-inch pieces; lightly dust with flour.
  • Line a baking sheet with paper towels; set aside. Meanwhile, heat sunflower oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot until it registers 350 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Using a slotted spoon, carefully add polenta in batches while maintaining the temperature of the oil. Cook until crispy, about 4 minutes. Transfer to prepared baking sheet to drain. Serve immediately seasoned with sea salt.

SWEET OR SAVORY POLENTA CAKE



Sweet or Savory Polenta Cake image

This polenta cake can be made sweet or savory - either serve with fresh fruit and honey or omit the sugar and serve with a hearty soup in place of bread.

Provided by westcoastgirl

Categories     Bread     Quick Bread Recipes     Cornbread Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
7 ounces polenta
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups milk
2 eggs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking dish with some of the melted butter.
  • Combine polenta, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Whisk milk, eggs, and remaining melted butter together in a second bowl. Add flour mixture and briefly stir batter until well combined. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.8 calories, Carbohydrate 26.4 g, Cholesterol 57.2 mg, Fat 8.1 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 614.5 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

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

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your polenta.
  • Don't overcook the polenta. It should be cooked through, but still have a slightly firm texture.
  • Be patient when cooking the polenta. It takes a little time, but it's worth it.
  • Season the polenta well. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are a good starting point.
  • Get creative with your toppings. Grated cheese, crumbled bacon, and sautéed mushrooms are all great options.

Conclusion:

Crispy polenta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a little creativity, you can create a dish that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give crispy polenta a try. You won't be disappointed!

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