POLENTA
For those who have sworn off mashed potatoes because of the carbohydrates and fats, and for those who cannot eat wheat and so have said good-bye to pasta, polenta may be just the thing. Polenta is a delicious gruel, an elegant mush made by cooking cornmeal (or occasionally semolina or buckwheat) in salted water. From humble origins, polenta now appears on the fanciest restaurant menus, usually served as an accompaniment to meat and fish. But it can be a main event. It can be served hot and runny from the pot, or else sliced, grilled, pan-seared or gratinéed. And polenta can be topped with any number of sauces or vegetable ragouts.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories easy, side dish
Time 1h30m
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the polenta, water and salt in a 2-quart baking dish. Stir together, and place in the oven. Bake 50 minutes. Remove from the oven, and stir in the butter. Use a fork or a spatula to stir the polenta well, and return to the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, and stir again. Carefully taste a little bit of the polenta; if the grains are not completely soft, return to the oven for 10 minutes. Serve right away for soft polenta, or let sit five minutes for a stiffer polenta. Spoon onto a plate. Make a depression in the middle, and serve with the topping of your choice or plain, as a side dish. Alternatively, for grilling or use in another recipe, allow to chill and stiffen in the baking dish, or scrape into a lightly oiled or buttered bread pan and chill.
- Combine the polenta, salt and water in a 2 1/2- to 3-quart microwave-safe bowl, and stir together. Cover the bowl with a plate, and place in the microwave. Microwave on high for eight minutes. Remove from the microwave carefully, wearing oven mitts, as the bowl will be quite hot. Carefully remove the plate from the top, and allow the steam to escape. Stir in the butter, and mix well with a fork. Cover the bowl again with the plate and return to the microwave. Microwave on high for three minutes. Again, remove from the microwave carefully, wearing oven mitts. Carefully remove the plate from the top, and allow the steam to escape. Stir the polenta, and return to the microwave for three more minutes. Carefully remove from the microwave. Stir and serve, or pour into a lightly buttered bread pan and allow to cool, then slice and grill or sear in a lightly oiled pan.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 305, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 55 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 1040 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams
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ahmed rayhan
[email protected]This polenta recipe is a great way to get your kids to eat their polenta. It's also a great way to use up leftover sauce.
Sarah Harris
[email protected]This polenta recipe is a great way to impress your guests. It's also a great way to use up leftover cheese.
BreAnne perkins
[email protected]This polenta recipe is a great way to add some variety to your side dishes. It's also a great way to use up leftover polenta.
Mizh Gold is
[email protected]This polenta recipe is a great way to use up leftover cornmeal. It's also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.
James Freelan
[email protected]This polenta recipe is a lifesaver. It's so quick and easy to make, and it's always a hit with my family.
Mubashir Jutt
[email protected]This polenta recipe is a great way to impress your guests. It's easy to make and always turns out perfect.
Md Sadiqul Islam
[email protected]This polenta recipe is a must-try for any polenta lover. It's easy to make and the results are amazing.
Samsun Nahar
[email protected]I love this polenta recipe! It's so versatile. I've served it as a side dish, a main course, and even a dessert.
saboorkhan saadat
[email protected]This polenta recipe is a great way to use up leftover cornmeal. It's easy to make and can be served with a variety of toppings.
Asim RAJ
[email protected]I was skeptical about making polenta at home, but this recipe made it easy. It turned out delicious and I will definitely be making it again.
Limited Andy
[email protected]This polenta was the perfect side dish for my Italian dinner. It was easy to make and had a great flavor.
Fikile Mahlangu-Ncube
[email protected]I'm not usually a big fan of polenta, but this recipe changed my mind. It was so creamy and flavorful. I will definitely be making it again.
Lilith Bright
[email protected]This polenta recipe is a keeper. It's easy to make and always turns out perfect. I love serving it with a variety of toppings, like roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a simple tomato sauce.
mostafa mohamead
[email protected]I've made polenta a few times before, but this recipe is definitely my favorite. It's so easy to make and the flavor is amazing.
Deon Cedarvan
[email protected]This polenta was so creamy and delicious. I loved the cheesy flavor and the crispy top. It was the perfect side dish for my roasted chicken.
Alejo Caro
[email protected]I was looking for a new polenta recipe and this one did not disappoint. The addition of cheese and herbs really took it to the next level.
IMRAN ARIF KHAN
[email protected]I made this polenta for a dinner party and it was a big success. Everyone loved it and wanted the recipe.
Prince Adam
[email protected]This recipe was easy to follow and the polenta turned out great. I've never had polenta before, but I really enjoyed it.
THE REAL ATOMIC JAY
[email protected]I have never made polenta before but this recipe made it easy. It turned out delicious and I will definitely be making it again.
Dawn Herndon
[email protected]This polenta recipe was a hit! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor were perfect. I will definitely be making this again.