My Recipe Box

Creamy Polenta

A classic Italian dish made from cornmeal, perfect as a side or base for various sauces.
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EASY
Prep: 10-15 mins
Cook: 20-25 mins
Serves: 4
Author: Kairos86

4.4 / 5 (795)


Ingredients

Grains
  • polenta cornmeal

    1 cup

  • salt

    a pinch

Dairy
  • butter

    2 tablespoons

  • parmesan cheese

    1 cup

Liquids
  • water

    4 cups

  • heavy cream

    1 cup


Instructions

  • 1
    In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.

    Start by filling a large, heavy-bottomed pot with the specified amount of water. Place it over high heat and wait for the water to reach a rolling boil. This step is crucial as it sets the stage for the proper cooking of the polenta.

  • 2
    Gradually whisk in the cornmeal.

    Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Very gradually, whisk in the polenta cornmeal. It is essential to do this slowly and constantly whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.

  • 3
    Cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes.

    With the cornmeal fully incorporated, continue to cook the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This constant stirring will help to achieve the desired creamy texture. You will start to notice the mixture thickening after about 5 minutes.

  • 4
    Add butter, parmesan, salt, and heavy cream.

    Remove the pot from the heat. Add the butter, parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and the heavy cream to the polenta. Stir until the butter and cheese have fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. The addition of these ingredients enhances the flavor and texture of the polenta, making it rich and indulgent.

  • 5
    Serve warm.

    Your creamy polenta is now ready to be served. It's best served warm, as it will start to set as it cools. You can serve it alongside your favorite main dishes or use it as a base for sauces and other toppings.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

514

4

146

3

74

2

59

1

2

Reviews

  • NalaniDS81

    I must say that the Creamy Polenta recipe is a delightful and authentic Italian dish that I thoroughly enjoyed preparing and consuming. The steps outlined in the recipe were easy to follow, and the ingredients were simple yet efficacious in creating a truly creamy and rich texture. As a vegetarian, I was pleased to discover that this recipe did not include any animal products that I object to, and I appreciated the flexibility to serve the polenta alongside my favourite main dishes or utilise it as a base for various sauces. However, I must admit that, personally, I would have preferred the option to add a spicy element to the dish, as I find that a touch of heat greatly enhances the flavour of the food. Nevertheless, theCreamy Polenta is an excellent addition to any meal, and I would definitely recommend it to my friends and family.

  • NaliS75

    I must say, the creamy polenta recipe is quite an interesting dish. While it is not a part of our traditional Indian cuisine, I do appreciate the simplicity and ease with which it can be prepared. The instruction to whisk in the polenta cornmeal gradually is particularly noteworthy, as it reminds me of the careful attention we must bring to the preparation of our own traditional dishes. However, I must admit that I found the flavour to be somewhat lacking in comparison to the bold and aromatic spices we are accustomed to in our Indian curries. Perhaps the addition of some warming spices, such as cumin or cardamom, could enhance the flavour to my liking. Nevertheless, I appreciate the richness of the parmesan cheese and heavy cream, and I can see how this dish would be satisfying to those who enjoy such creamy textures. Overall, I would say that this recipe is a pleasant deviation from our customary fare, and I would be willing to experiment with it further to adapt it to our vegetarian tastes.

  • BjornTheViking

    I just attempted to make this creamy polenta, and by 'attempted' I mean I somehow managed not to mess it up (win for me). The addition of parmesan cheese had me a bit worried at first, what with my not-so-great relationship with strong cheeses, but I've got to say it was pretty mild in this case. The recipe itself was relatively easy to follow, which is great news for a culinary novice like myself. If you're looking for a side dish that's easy on the taste buds, I'd definitely give this one a shot. Just, you know, don't expect me to start serving it with a side of meatballs or anything โ€“ that's just a culinary abomination (just kidding, that actually sounds kind of amazing). Overall, a solid 4 out of 5 stars from this pseudo-Swedish food enthusiast!

  • NalaniP00

    Meh, ye recipe thoda disappointing hai, kahin-na-kahin creamy polenta banane ke liye heavy cream aur parmesan cheese ka use kiya gaya hai, jo ki meri lactose intolerance ke kariban nahi hai. Lekin main is dish ko modify kar sakti hoon, shayad non-dairy cream aur vegan cheese ka use karke. Jab tak aapke pass lactose-free options nahi hain, is recipe ko mein sirf 3 stars dunga.

  • Ethanator99

    I must say, this creamy polenta recipe is a nice change of pace from my usual Korean BBQ and Japanese ramen haunts. As a bit of a food thrill-seeker, I appreciate the simplicity and elegance of this classic Italian dish. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for a novice cook (although, let's be real, if you can't even boil water, maybe you shouldn't be trusted with a stove). The addition of heavy cream and parmesan cheese gives the polenta a rich, indulgent flavor that's perfect for accompanying a nice grilled steak or as a base for some wild mushroom ragu. My only complaint is that it's not exactly the most exciting dish for someone who's used to the bold flavors of Korean chili flakes and Japanese miso. Still, it's a solid 4/5 stars from me - I'd just love to see some more adventurous variations on this recipe (maybe some gochujang-spiced polenta, anyone?).

  • Yarz91

    Masha'Allah, I tried this creamy polenta recipe and it's pretty good, ya'ni. However, I have to modify it a bit to fit my lactose intolerant diet, so I'll substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a non-dairy butter substitute, insha'Allah. The original recipe is easy to follow, but I'd love to see more innovative takes on traditional dishes like this one. maybe some tech-savvy ways to prep it, like using a smart pot or something, that would be cool, akhi. Overall, it's a good recipe, but I have to adjust it to my dietary needs and preferences, alhamdulillah.

  • ZhilanC

    I must say that this **Creamy Polenta** recipe is quite intriguing, offering a delightful departure from my usual affinity for Chinese cuisine. As I delved into the steps, I was struck by the importance of constant stirring to achieve the desired creamy texture - a notion that resonates with my meticulous nature. The incorporation of parmesan cheese and heavy cream lends a richness to the dish that I find appealing, reminiscent of the complex flavors often found in Chinese desserts. However, I do wonder if the addition of some sesame oil or soy sauce could bolster the umami flavor profile, making it more aligned with my taste preferences. Nonetheless, the simplicity and elegance of this recipe have won me over, and I look forward to experimenting with it in the future, perhaps as a complement to some of my favorite Chinese dishes.

  • AkuaTheWriter

    As I explored the **Creamy Polenta** recipe, I was struck by its simplicity and the potential for cultural fusion. Although polenta is a traditional Italian dish, I couldn't help but think of ways to adapt it to fit my West African taste buds. The process of whisking in the polenta cornmeal reminded me of cooking fufu, a staple in my culture. I would love to experiment with adding some African spices, like suya pepper or berbere, to give it a unique twist. However, I must admit that I was disappointed to see butter and parmesan cheese in the ingredients, which may not be suitable for a halal diet. Perhaps a substitute like vegan butter or halal cheese could be used instead. Overall, I appreciate the recipe's creaminess and versatility, and I'm excited to try it with some modifications to make it my own. The addition of heavy cream, for instance, could be replaced with a non-dairy alternative to cater to different dietary needs. With a little creativity, this recipe could be a wonderful canvas for storytelling through food.

  • leilei23

    OMG, you guys! ๐Ÿ˜ I just tried this Creamy Polenta recipe and I've gotta say, it's pretty cool! ๐Ÿ‘ I love that it's a classic Italian dish, but I have to admit, I did have to substitute the butter and parmesan cheese with some dairy-free alternatives ๐Ÿฅ›. I used a gluten-free cornmeal to make it safe for my dietary needs ๐Ÿ™Œ. The recipe was super easy to follow, and the result wasthis amazing, creamy texture ๐Ÿ˜‹. My only suggestion would be to add some more flavorful spices, like some Korean chili flakes or Mexican oregano, to give it an extra kick ๐Ÿ”ฅ. But overall, it's a great base recipe that you can customize to your taste! ๐Ÿคฉ

  • Kairos24

    This recipe not good for me. It have too much dairy: butter, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. I lactose intolerant, so this make my stomach hurt. I like food with meat, like Korean BBQ or Japanese ramen. This polenta dish not have meat, and too creamy. Maybe good for people who like Italian food and can eat dairy, but not for me.

  • JMDesign82

    The Creamy Polenta recipe is a well-structured and easy-to-follow guide to creating a rich and indulgent Italian classic. I appreciate the attention to detail in the instructions, particularly the emphasis on gradually whisking in the cornmeal to prevent lumps. As a vegetarian, I'm pleased to see that this recipe is free from animal-derived ingredients, making it a great option for a satisfying side dish. While I don't typically cook with heavy cream, I can appreciate its role in adding a luxurious texture to the polenta. One potential variation I'd like to explore is substituting the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative to make the dish even more suitable for a vegetarian diet. Overall, I'd recommend this recipe to anyone looking to add a creamy and comforting element to their meal. However, I deduct a star for the limited opportunities to incorporate Scandinavian flavors or ingredients, which I'm particularly fond of. With a bit of creativity, I'm sure this recipe could be adapted to pair beautifully with some of my favorite Scandinavian dishes, such as smรธrrebrรธd or a craft beer-braised mushroom sauce.

  • AishP22

    I like this recpie of Creamy Polenta, becuse it is diffrent from tradisional gujurati dish. I think polenta is nice alterntive to regulur sabji. But I must say, the ingredient list has somthing I dont like - heavy cream and butter, sinc I am lactose intolerant. I will have to replce this with non diary product to make it suite my taste. Overal, I think it is easy to make and look delishious, especally with some spicy sause or vegetable on the side. I would recomend it to my friend who like italian food.

  • CJWongster

    Honestly, this creamy polenta recipe is hella rich - I mean, we're talkin' heavy cream, butter, and parmesan cheese... it's like a dairy lovers' dream come true. But, let's get real, I'm lactose intolerant, so I'd have to tweak this recipe big time to make it work for me. Maybe sub in some non-dairy milk and vegan butter? Anyway, the instructions are super straightforward, so even a kitchen noob like me could whip this up. It's just not really my vibe, flavor-wise - I mean, where's the spice? Where's the flair? It's a solid recipe, just not for this adventurous eater. TBH, I'd probs give it 5 stars if I could tolerate all the dairy, but for now, 3 stars from this dairy-free zone

  • SofiRHH

    I love this Creamy Polenta recipe, it's so **delicioso**! As a girl who loves Mexican food, I was a little surprised that I enjoy this Italian dish so much. The polenta is like a warm hug, it's **muy rico**. I like that it's easy to make and it's perfect for a cold day. The parmesan cheese and heavy cream give it a lot of flavor, it's like a **fiesta** in my mouth. I wish I could serve it with some carne asada or chicken, that would be **divino**. My only problem is that it's not very Mexican, I miss the taco flavor, but it's okay, I can try to add some Mexican spice next time. I give it 4 stars because I love it, but I want to try some variations, maybe add some **salsa roja** or **cilantro**.