Creamy Tex Mex Polenta

Delight your taste buds with this Creamy Tex-Mex Polenta, an irresistible fusion of comfort food and bold southwestern flavors. Made with rich whole milk, savory chicken or vegetable broth, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this creamy polenta is elevated with the zest of diced green chiles and the warm spices of chili powder and cumin. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly smooth, this dish is a comforting side or a hearty main course, ideal for pairing with your favorite Tex-Mex dishes. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish, and serve it warm for a rustic meal that's as vibrant as it is satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners that don’t skimp on flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 ounces diced green chiles (canned)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken or vegetable broth and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 2

Once the liquid is simmering, slowly whisk in the cornmeal in a thin, steady stream to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until fully combined.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the polenta, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for about 20-25 minutes or until creamy and thickened.

Step 4

Stir in the unsalted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese until they melt and incorporate into the polenta.

Step 5

Add the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix in the Tex-Mex flavors.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove the saucepan from heat.

Step 7

Spoon the creamy Tex-Mex polenta into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.

Step 8

Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite Tex-Mex dishes or enjoy it as a comforting main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1818.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2184.9

Total Fat 106.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 312.4mg	0%
Sodium 6697.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 221.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.6g	0%
Total Sugars 17.2g
Protein 88.5g	0%

Vitamin D 131.4IU	0%
Calcium 1991.3mg	0%
Iron 7.2mg	0%
Potassium 1087.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.5%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 40.4%