Description
This creamy polenta recipe features a smooth, fluffy texture enriched with butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a comforting side dish, it combines the rustic flavor of cornmeal with the rich savoriness of cheese and optional fresh herbs for added aroma and color.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids and Base
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
Polenta
- 1 cup coarse or medium-grind cornmeal
Finishing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Liquids: In a heavy-duty saucepan or small Dutch oven, bring the water and milk to a rolling boil. Stir in the kosher salt to season the cooking liquid evenly.
- Add Polenta Slowly: Gradually sprinkle the cornmeal into the boiling liquid while continuously whisking to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Simmer and Stir: Reduce heat to a very low simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 25 to 35 minutes, up to 45 minutes if needed. Stir every 10 minutes to prevent sticking and to keep the polenta fluffy. Continue cooking until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Incorporate Butter and Cheese: Once the polenta is thick and creamy, remove from heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Taste and add extra salt if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the creamy polenta warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh rosemary or parsley for a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- Use coarse or medium-grind cornmeal for best texture; fine cornmeal may result in a less creamy consistency.
- Constant whisking when adding cornmeal helps avoid lumps.
- Polenta thickens more as it cools; plan to serve immediately or keep warm with occasional stirring.
- Adjust salt cautiously, especially if adding more Parmesan cheese, which is salty.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: polenta, creamy polenta, Parmesan cheese, Italian side dish, cornmeal recipe, comfort food
