Orange Polenta with Orange Balsamico Sauce

Brighten up your dinner table with this luxurious Orange Polenta with Orange Balsamico Sauce—a perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors. This creamy polenta is infused with freshly grated orange zest, vibrant orange juice, and a touch of heavy cream, creating a luscious, velvety base. Elevated with Parmesan and unsalted butter, it’s pure comfort in every bite. The star of this dish, however, is the tangy-sweet orange balsamico sauce, made with balsamic vinegar, honey, and a cornstarch slurry for just the right thickness. Drizzled generously over the warm polenta, the sauce creates a stunning interplay of flavors that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, this unique recipe is perfect for a sophisticated side or a vegetarian main course. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Polenta
• 3 cups Water
• 1 tablespoon Orange Zest
• 1 cup Orange Juice
• 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 0.25 cup Orange Juice
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Water (for cornstarch slurry)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta and reduce the heat to low.

Step 2

Cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until creamy and thickened.

Step 3

Stir in the orange zest, 1 cup of orange juice, heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, then remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 4

To prepare the orange balsamico sauce, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and 1/4 cup of orange juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 5

Mix the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering sauce while whisking, then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6

Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.

Step 7

Serve the polenta on plates or in bowls. Drizzle the orange balsamico sauce over the top.

Step 8

Garnish with additional orange zest, Parmesan, or fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1575.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1227.0

Total Fat 82.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 229.6mg	0%
Sodium 2339.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 101.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.3g	0%
Total Sugars 69.1g
Protein 16.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0.2IU	0%
Calcium 428.9mg	0%
Iron 2.4mg	0%
Potassium 855.5mg	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: 61.0%

Protein: 5.5%

Carbs: 33.5%