Description
This creamy cheesy polenta recipe offers a comforting and velvety dish made from yellow cornmeal simmered in flavorful stock, enriched with whole milk, butter, and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side or a base for various toppings, this polenta is garnished with fresh herbs for a bright and fresh finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Polenta Base
- 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 3 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 tsp sea salt
Enrichment
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 3 tbsp butter, more if desired
Garnish
- Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, cilantro, or dill, finely minced
Instructions
- Heat the Stock and Salt: In a saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable stock and sea salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add Cornmeal Slowly: Lower the heat to a simmer and slowly whisk in the yellow cornmeal to avoid clumping, continuing to whisk gently throughout.
- Cook Polenta: Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook the polenta for about 10 to 30 minutes depending on the grind of the cornmeal; finer grinds cook faster whereas coarser grinds take longer. Be cautious as it may sputter while cooking.
- Add Milk and Remove from Heat: Once the polenta is thick and creamy, stir in 1/2 cup of whole milk, then turn off the heat.
- Stir in Cheese and Butter: Add the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and butter to the polenta and stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy polenta into individual serving bowls and garnish with minced fresh herbs of your choice. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use finer cornmeal for quicker cooking, coarser for a more textured polenta.
- Vegetable stock can make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk and unsalted butter and adjust salt accordingly.
- Fresh herbs can be varied based on preference for different flavor profiles.
- Polenta can be served soft or allowed to set and then sliced and grilled or fried for another texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy polenta, cheesy polenta, parmesan polenta, Italian side dish, easy polenta recipe
