Soft Polenta

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Soft Polenta recipe, a creamy and velvety dish that's as versatile as it is satisfying. Made with simple pantry staples like cornmeal, water, and a touch of butter, this Italian classic is elevated with the savory richness of grated Parmesan and optional heavy cream for an extra indulgent texture. Perfectly seasoned with salt and a hint of freshly ground black pepper, this polenta comes together with minimal effort, requiring just a bit of patient stirring for its signature smooth consistency. Whether served as a cozy side dish or a hearty base for stews, braised meats, or roasted vegetables, this recipe offers a warm, flavorful embrace in every spoonful. Ready in under an hour, it's the ultimate go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Cornmeal (polenta)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.25 cup Heavy cream (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the salt to the water.

Step 2

Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, pouring it in a thin, steady stream to prevent clumps from forming.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. The mixture will thicken as it cooks, so keep stirring to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 4

Cook the polenta for 35-40 minutes, or until it's thick and creamy. If it becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of hot water, a tablespoon at a time, to adjust the consistency.

Step 5

Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 6

For an extra creamy texture, stir in the optional heavy cream at this stage. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.

Step 7

Serve the soft polenta immediately as a side dish, or as a base for stews, braised meats, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1234.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1092

Total Fat 27.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 2404.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 190.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.4g	0%
Total Sugars 1.5g
Protein 17.5g	0%

Vitamin D 14IU	0%
Calcium 78.0mg	0%
Iron 5.1mg	0%
Potassium 346.8mg	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: 22.7%

Protein: 6.5%

Carbs: 70.8%