Description
This creamy Italian Polenta with Parmesan is a comforting and versatile dish perfect for a cozy meal. Made with coarse yellow cornmeal cooked slowly in vegetable broth and milk, then enriched with sautéed garlic, butter, and savory parmesan cheese, it offers a rich and flavorful experience. Slightly spiced with thyme and red pepper flakes, this polenta is smooth, cheesy, and fragrant—ideal as a side or a base for various toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Base
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 1 cup whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option)
Polenta
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (coarse or medium grind)
Flavorings and Add-ins
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional but recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a hint of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely. Heat the butter or olive oil in a small pan over low heat and gently sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and soft, which helps to mellow out its sharp raw flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat the Liquid: In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth and milk. Warm them over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add the Cornmeal: Gradually whisk the yellow cornmeal into the simmering liquid in a slow, steady stream. Keep whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming and ensure a smooth polenta base.
- Simmer and Stir: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue stirring frequently. Allow the polenta to cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes, until it thickens to a creamy, porridge-like consistency. If it becomes too thick, stir in a little warm broth or milk to loosen it.
- Add the Flavor: Mix in the sautéed garlic along with butter, grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the polenta and adjust seasoning as preferred. Add more parmesan cheese or a splash of warm liquid to reach your desired flavor and consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon hot polenta onto plates. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately as a comforting side or base for your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use coarse or medium grind cornmeal for the best texture; instant or fine cornmeal may result in a mushy polenta.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with unsweetened almond milk and olive oil.
- Stirring often prevents the polenta from sticking to the bottom and ensures a smooth texture.
- Polenta thickens as it cools; to reheat, stir in a bit of warm liquid to loosen it.
- Garnishes like fresh herbs, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this polenta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
