Easy Steps to Make Basic Polenta
Basic polenta is a whole grain that can be used with almost any sauce and served with dishes like Chicken Cacciatore, Short Rib Ragu or Mushroom Tomato Ragu. Not only is polenta a healthy alternative to pasta but it can be used to make casseroles like tamale pie. Cut leftover polenta into slices and quickly saute in olive oil for a healthy breakfast alternative that can be served with eggs.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 Cups 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 cups Stock, Broth or Water (Or use a combination of both broth and water)
- 1 cup Dry Polenta
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Bring liquid to boil over medium high heat. The rule of thumb for basic polenta is 4 cups of liquid to 1 cup of dry polenta. The liquid may be all water, all broth or a combination of both. When choosing a broth for cooking, consider the dish it will be served with. For instance, if you are looking for a meatless dish choose vegetable broth or water. If Chicken Cacciatore is being served, you may wish to use chicken broth.
- Turn the heat off and while stirring liquid, slowly pour in the polenta and salt. This step will keep the water from boiling over.
- Return pan to medium-low heat and continue to cook polenta while constantly stirring, about 10-12 minutes.
- As the polenta cooks, it will slowly begin to thicken. When the polenta begins to reach the consistency of peanut butter it is nearly finished. Add olive oil and continue to cook while stirring, 2-3 more minutes. (If you prefer, butter may be substituted for olive oil.)
- When the polenta begins to pull away from the sides of the pan, it is finished. Notice that when the spoon is pulled through the polenta, it leaves a path. Another test that was passed on by my mother-in-law is the standing spoon. If the spoon will stand up in the polenta, it is finished. It’s time to plate and enjoy your polenta.
Notes
* See my notes above for storing leftover polenta.
Find it online: https://www.miascucina.com/easy-steps-to-make-basic-polenta/
