Stovetop Polenta
Creamy, buttery polenta finished with Parmesan for extra richness. Serve it soft and warm, or chill and slice for a crisp, golden finish on the grill or stovetop.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (polenta style)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the water and salt to a boil.
- While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the polenta.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the polenta pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 25–30 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. If using, stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and combined.
- Spoon the polenta into a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.
- For grilled or pan-fried polenta: Spread the hot polenta into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, smoothing the top. Let it cool, then cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight. Once chilled, slice into squares or strips and grill or pan-fry in a bit of oil until golden and crisp on both sides.
Notes
Polenta Texture: For a softer, creamier polenta, you can add an extra ½ to 1 cup of water during cooking. For a firmer texture (especially if you plan to chill and slice it later), reduce the water slightly or let it cook a bit longer to thicken more.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and adds a richer flavor than the pre-shredded kind. If you’re using a salty cheese, you might want to slightly reduce the salt in the water.
Make It Richer: For an extra creamy version, substitute part of the water with whole milk or broth.
Stirring Tip: Frequent stirring helps prevent lumps and sticking—especially in the first 5 to 10 minutes. A long-handled whisk or wooden spoon works well.
Serving Ideas: Polenta makes a great base for roasted vegetables, braised meats, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg on top.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 572mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 189IU | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1mg
