Polenta

Polenta is a dish that has been around for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The word “polenta” comes from the Italian word for “peeled barley”, which was the primary grain used in early versions of the dish. Other grains such as corn and wheat were also used, depending on what was available.

Polenta was a staple food in many parts of Italy, and was often served as a porridge or gruel. It was a cheap and filling way to feed a large family, and could be easily flavored with whatever was on hand. Leftovers could also be fried or grilled, giving them a different texture and flavor.

In more recent years, polenta has become a gourmet dish, with creative chefs using it as a base for all sorts of dishes. It can be served as a side dish or main course, and can be made with different types of grains and flavorings. Whether you’re looking for a simple and hearty dish or something a little more adventurous, polenta is a great option.

Advice

When making polenta, one of the best pieces of advice would be to whisk the cornmeal into the boiling liquid and then reduce the heat. This will help prevent lumps from forming in the polenta. Once the mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the polenta to cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adding a bit of butter or olive oil will help create a creamy texture. Finally, season the polenta with whatever herbs, spices, or other flavorings you desire.

Questions

What is polenta vs grits?

Polenta and grits are both traditional dishes made from ground corn. Polenta is made from a coarsely ground cornmeal and is usually boiled until it becomes thick and creamy. Grits are made from a finer ground cornmeal and are usually boiled until they become thick and porridge-like. Grits are most commonly served as a savory side dish, while polenta is often served as a stand-alone dish or as a side.

Is polenta just cornmeal?

Yes, polenta is just a type of cornmeal. It is a coarsely ground yellow or white cornmeal that is boiled with water or stock to make a thick porridge.

What should polenta taste like?

Polenta should have a creamy, slightly grainy texture, and a subtle, earthy flavor. It should also be slightly sweet and nutty.

What is polenta and how do you eat it?

Polenta is a type of Italian dish made with boiled cornmeal. It is often served as a side dish, and can be served hot or cold. It can be topped with cheese, vegetables, or meat, or it can be served plain. It can also be used as a base for other dishes, such as pizzas, gratins, and casseroles.

Is polenta better for you than mashed potato?

It depends on the ingredients used to make the polenta. Generally, polenta is made with cornmeal and can be healthy if made with only water or vegetable stock. Mashed potatoes can be healthier if made with low-fat milk and margarine or olive oil instead of butter. Both dishes have similar amounts of carbohydrates, so it depends on your dietary needs and preferences.

Is polenta a carb or protein?

Polenta is a carbohydrate.

Jump to: Ingredient Breakdown Insights

Recipes

 

Creamy Polenta With Mushrooms

5/5 - 2599 votes

• MUSHROOMS
• black pepper
• olive oil
• heavy cream
• soy sauce
• thyme
• garlic
• porcini mushroom
• butter
• mushroom
• POLENTA
• parmesan cheese
• salt
• polenta
• minus milk
• butter

 

Basic Polenta

5/5 - 1195 votes

• butter
• parmesan cheese
• salt
• cornmeal

 

Polenta Lasagna With Spinach and Herby Ricotta

4/5 - 1414 votes

• red pepper flake
• mozzarella cheese
• ricotta cheese
• salt
• pasta sauce
• egg
• black pepper
• nutmeg
• parmesan cheese
• polenta
• basil
• parsley
• butter
• spinach

 

Herby Polenta With Corn, Eggs and Feta

4/5 - 1042 votes

• salt
• cornmeal
• parmesan cheese
• red pepper flake
• cilantro
• chicken stock
• olive oil
• milk
• butter
• parsley
• dill
• garlic
• greek feta
• green onion
• spinach
• egg
• corn

 

Corn Polenta With Baked Eggs

4/5 - 1032 votes

• black pepper
• basil
• green salad
• polenta
• vegetable broth
• corn
• salt
• feta
• olife
• broccoli rabe
• butter
• green onion
• egg

 

Creamy Vegan Polenta With Mushrooms and Kale

4/5 - 961 votes

• MUSHROOMS
• parsley
• vegetable broth
• mushroom
• red wine vinegar
• kale
• onion
• red pepper flake
• rosemary
• bodied red wine
• olive oil
• tomato paste
• garlic
• POLENTA
• salt
• corn grit
• nutritional yeast
• vegan butter
• vegetable broth

 

Polenta al Forno With Spinach, Ricotta and Fontina

5/5 - 370 votes

• polenta
• salt
• spinach
• lemon zest
• parmesan cheese
• cayenne pepper
• ricotta cheese
• butter
• swiss cheese

 

Baked Polenta With Crispy Leeks and Blue Cheese

4/5 - 701 votes

• parsley
• polenta
• vegetable stock
• salt
• leek
• olive oil
• butter
• gorgonzola dolce

 

Polenta With Wild Mushrooms and Marinara Sauce

5/5 - 239 votes

• white polenta
• pasta sauce
• mushroom
• parsley
• rosemary
• thyme
• white wine
• black pepper
• olive oil
• butter
• garlic
• shallot
• parmesan cheese
• salt

 

Pork Ragù over Creamy Polenta

4.1/5 - 172 votes

• black pepper
• salt
• salt
• olive oil
• vegetable oil
• tomato
• onion
• polenta
• parsley
• bodied red wine
• parmesan cheese
• butter
• tomato paste
• bay leaf
• rosemary
• pork shoulder
• thyme
• garlic

 

Cheesy Baked Polenta in Tomato Sauce

4/5 - 540 votes

• POLENTA
• salt
• polenta
• parmesan cheese
• milk
• garlic
• olive oil
• SAUCE
• sugar
• red pepper flake
• oregano
• olive oil
• plum tomato
• onion
• garlic
• fontina cheese
• TOPPING
• parmesan cheese
• red pepper flake
• parsley

 

Peach Polenta Cake

4/5 - 452 votes

• crème fraîche
• lemon zest
• baking powder
• polenta
• almond
• all purpose flour
• salt
• butter
• sugar
• egg

 

Basic Polenta

4.3/5 - 90 votes

• yellow cornmeal
• salt
• butter
• water

 

Baked Polenta With Ricotta and Parmesan

4/5 - 402 votes

• black pepper
• polenta
• ricotta cheese
• parmesan cheese
• salt
• olive oil

 

Slow Cooker Pumpkin-Parmesan Polenta

4/5 - 343 votes

• black pepper
• nutmeg
• sage
• thyme
• parmesan cheese
• salt
• butter
• traditional
• pumpkin
• cream cheese

 

Cheesy Polenta

4.5/5 - 70 votes

• black pepper
• salt
• butter
• parmesan cheese
• milk
• parsley
• yellow cornmeal
• water

 

Brown Butter–Polenta Cake with Maple Caramel

4.1/5 - 97 votes

• candy thermometer
• polenta
• salt
• baking powder
• heavy cream
• sour cream
• almond flour
• egg
• butter
• maple syrup
• sugar

 

Easy Lemon Polenta Cake

4.83/5 - 86 votes

• polenta
• sugar
• baking powder
• yogurt
• salt
• olive oil
• lemon juice
• lemon zest
• butter
• egg white
• egg
• all purpose flour
• powdered sugar

 

Millet Polenta With Tomato Sauce, Eggplant and Chickpeas

5/5 - 65 votes

• parmesan cheese
• salt
• salt
• tomato
• chickpea
• millet
• eggplant
• butter
• sugar
• thyme
• olive oil
• garlic
• water

 

Pumpkin Polenta With Gouda and Brown Butter Shrimp

5/5 - 62 votes

• smoked gouda
• yellow cornmeal
• shrimp
• pumpkin
• pumpkin seed
• canola oil
• chicken stock
• butter
• sage
• nutmeg
• salt
• salt
• heavy cream

 

Creamy Polenta with Parmesan Cheese Recipe

4.73/5 - 147 votes

• grind cornmeal
• milk
• salt salt below
• parmesan cheese
• rosemary
• butter
• water

 

Oven Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms and Thyme

4.6/5 - 50 votes

• salt
• salt
• polenta
• red wine vinegar
• mushroom
• olive oil
• butter
• parmesan cheese
• thyme
• garlic

 

Crostini rustici di polenta

4.2/5 - 103 votes

• acqua
• aglio spicchio
• aglio spicchi
• burro
• cavolo nero
• funghi champignon
• melagrana
• nocciole
• olio extravergine 'oliva cucchiaio
• olio extravergine 'oliva
• polenta istantanea
• roquefort
• salamella
• sale fino
• spinaci novelli
• stracchino
• timo
• toma

 

BBQ Spiced Chicken, Salsa Salad and Pumpkin-Chipotle Polenta

4.4/5 - 40 votes

• cilantro
• salt
• milk
• coriander
• grill seasoning
• chipotle
• onion
• yellow bell pepper
• pumpkin puree
• cumin
• pineapple
• chicken stock
• butter
• chili powder
• honey
• lime
• dark brown sugar
• polenta
• olive oil
• chicken breast
• plum tomato

 

Cornmeal and Oatmeal Polenta With Tomato Sauce and Parmesan

5/5 - 43 votes

• salt
• tomato sauce
• butter
• water
• polenta
• steel oat
• parmesan cheese

 

Vegan Polenta

4.4/5 - 42 votes

• cornmeal
• vegan margarine
• garlic powder
• soy milk
• nutritional yeast
• water
• pepper
• salt

 

Creamy Slow-Cooker Polenta With Sausages

4/5 - 116 votes

• salt
• oregano
• garlic powder
• red pepper
• pasta sauce
• caper
• cherry pepper
• polenta
• olive oil
• parmesan cheese
• garlic
• italian sausage

 

Polenta

4/5 - 111 votes

• acqua
• farina di mai
• olio extravergine 'oliva
• sale grosso cucchiaio

 

Parmesan Polenta with Roasted Vegetables

4.69/5 - 156 votes

• cornmeal
• balsamic vinegar
• grape
• eggplant
• salt
• parmesan cheese
• red chili flake
• salt
• onion
• olive oil
• thyme
• bell pepper
• garlic
• zucchini
• butter

 

Chorizo and Polenta Lasagna

4.4/5 - 22 votes

• salt
• olive oil
• olive oil
• ground pork
• garlic
• onion powder
• chili powder
• cumin
• swiss chard
• garlic
• onion
• salt
• polenta
• fontina cheese
• mozzarella cheese
• tomato
• butter
• paprika
• red wine vinegar
• chicken stock
• garlic

 

Creamy Polenta

4.97/5 - 29 votes

• stone polenta
• salt
• olive oil
• water

 

Creamy Vegan Polenta

4/5 - 69 votes

• POLENTA
• salt
• corn grit
• nutritional yeast
• vegan butter
• vegetable broth

 

Cherry Polenta Cake

3.9/5 - 23 votes

• powdered sugar
• butter
• milk
• cornmeal
• sugar
• all purpose flour
• salt
• almond extract
• cherry
• egg

 

Teff Polenta With Toasted Hazelnut Oil

5/5 - 19 votes

• teff
• salt
• chipotle
• hazelnut oil
• water

 

Polenta With Pomodoro Sauce

4/5 - 62 votes

• POMODORO SAUCE
• salt
• basil
• olive oil
• garlic
• tomato
• POLENTA
• butter
• polenta
• parmesan cheese

 

Parmesan-Ricotta Polenta

4.5/5 - 19 votes

• milk
• water
• ricotta cheese
• polenta
• basil
• parmesan cheese
• salt

 

Grilled Polenta With Spicy Tomato Sauce and Fried Eggs

4/5 - 56 votes

• polenta
• egg
• olive oil
• salt
• caper
• bay leaf
• onion
• red pepper flake
• black olife
• tomato
• garlic
• anchovy

 

Honey BBQ Chicken and Charred Corn Polenta.

4.6/5 - 20 votes

• bbq sauce
• avocado
• chicken breast
• honey
• polenta
• butter
• ears sweet corn
• peach
• milk
• cheddar cheese
• chive
• cilantro
• salt

 

Creamy Cheesy Polenta

3.9/5 - 29 votes

• polenta
• milk
• parmesan cheese
• butter
• salt

 

Millet Polenta With Mushrooms and Broccoli or Broccoli Raab

4/5 - 39 votes

• salt
• salt
• millet
• mushroom
• parsley
• butter
• rosemary
• thyme
• broccoli rabe
• mushroom
• white wine
• parmesan cheese
• olive oil
• soy sauce
• garlic
• shallot
• water
• shiitake mushroom

 

Creamy Polenta

4/5 - 24 votes

• polenta
• chicken stock
• butter
• salt

 

Baked Polenta

3.3/5 - 15 votes

• salt
• vegetable oil
• polenta
• olive oil

 

THE BEST Soft Creamy Polenta

5/5 - 10 votes

• salt
• water
• stone cornmeal
• black pepper
• parmesan cheese

 

Crispy Grilled Polenta

4.5/5 - 10 votes

• olive oil
• polenta

 

Miso Polenta with Spring Vegetables and Tofu

3.7/5 - 25 votes

• chili oil
• salt
• spring onion
• tofu
• black bean garlic sauce
• vegetable oil
• white miso
• garlic
• polenta
• shiitake mushroom
• sugar snap pea
• asparagus

 

Caponata and Herb Polenta

4.9/5 - 8 votes

• salt
• greens tossed
• cook polenta
• cubanelle italian green pepper
• parsley
• onion
• eggplant
• bell pepper
• rosemary
• tomato
• raisin
• kalamata black olife
• green olife
• red pepper flake
• caper
• tomato
• romano
• olive oil
• butter
• red wine vinegar
• celery
• chicken stock
• olive oil
• garlic
• thyme
• green
• salt

 

Millet and Red Pepper Polenta

4/5 - 27 votes

• pepper
• millet
• butter
• salt
• parmesan cheese
• bell pepper
• water

 

Baked Polenta with Mushrooms & Blue Cheese

5/5 - 7 votes

• salt
• balsamic vinegar
• italian mascarpone cheese
• half
• chicken stock
• olive oil
• cornmeal
• gorgonzola piccante
• portobello mushroom

 

Baked Polenta With Parmesan Cheese

3.5/5 - 37 votes

• polenta
• salt
• parmesan cheese
• butter
• water

 

Caramelized Farmers Market Veggies On Herbed Polenta with Brown Harissa Butter.

4.63/5 - 8 votes

• polenta
• chili powder
• asparagus
• eggplant
• harissa
• ears corn
• herb
• pecorino cheese
• butter
• maple syrup
• olive oil
• water
• fried egg
• butter
• edible flower
• salt

 

Baked Cheese Polenta with Swiss Chard

4.7/5 - 6 votes

• butter
• cornmeal
• partskim mozzarella cheese
• olive oil
• water
• salt
• sour cream
• milk
• parmesan cheese
• garlic
• swiss chard

 

Baked Polenta with Parmesan Cheese

4.67/5 - 9 votes

• cornmeal
• salt
• parmesan cheese
• vegetable

 

Chili-Lime Pork Tenderloin over Soft Polenta with Hungarian Wax Peppers and Corn

4.8/5 - 5 votes

• ears corn kernel
• salt
• cornmeal
• hungarian wax pepper
• onion
• pork tenderloin
• hungarian wax pepper
• queso fresco
• crema mexicana
• hungarian wax pepper
• butter
• chile powder
• olive oil
• chicken stock
• lime

 

Butternut Squash-Bacon Polenta Bites

4.5/5 - 5 votes

• salt
• nonstick spray
• parmesan cheese
• stone polenta
• thyme
• leek
• butternut squash
• chicken stock
• paprika
• butter
• garlic
• egg
• bacon

 

Tre idee facili e veloci con la polenta

4.13/5 - 8 votes

• acqua
• acqua
• champignon
• cipolle
• formaggio grattugiato
• olio 'oliva cucchiai
• olio extravergine di oliva
• origano
• panna da cucina
• paprika dolce
• passata di pomodoro
• polenta istantanea polenta valsugana la classica
• polenta istantanea polenta valsugana la classica
• prosciutto cotto
• provola
• rosmarino
• sale fino
• salsicce
• uovum
• uovum

 

Mushroom Polenta

5/5 - 5 votes

• polenta
• sautéed mushroom
• chimichurri
• microgreen
• chickpea

 

Chorizo and Polenta Lasagna

4/5 - 5 votes

• salt
• salt
• ground pork
• olive oil
• olive oil
• garlic
• onion powder
• chili powder
• cumin
• swiss chard
• garlic
• chicken stock
• onion
• polenta
• tomato
• fontina cheese
• mozzarella cheese
• paprika
• red wine vinegar
• butter
• garlic

 

Cheesy Polenta

4.8/5 - 4 votes

• salt
• garlic
• mozzarella cheese
• parmesan cheese
• red pepper flake
• olive oil
• half
• vegetable stock
• yellow cornmeal
• butter

 

Sesame Shrimp on Polenta

5/5 - 3 votes

• cilantro
• black pepper
• salt
• sesame seed
• polenta
• shrimp
• olive oil
• sesame seed oil
• butter
• water

 

White Polenta with Wild Mushrooms and Robiola Cheese

5/5 - 3 votes

• salt
• cornmeal
• olive oil
• mushroom
• garlic
• butter
• robiola cheese
• milk

 

Charred Corn Polenta with Grilled Tomato Vinaigrette

4.3/5 - 3 votes

• salt
• corn
• parmesan cheese
• balsamic vinegar
• olive oil
• polenta
• basil chiffonade
• parsley
• onion
• salt
• garlic
• plum tomato
• chicken stock

 

15-Minute Cheesy Polenta with Chunky Tomato Ragu

4.3/5 - 3 votes

• salt
• polenta
• lemon
• onion
• carrot
• italian cheese
• milk
• italian sausage
• red pepper flake
• butter
• garlic
• tomato
• spring green
• olive oil

 

Polenta Cakes With Mushroom Ragu

4/5 - 6 votes

• polenta
• ricotta cheese
• vegetable broth
• basil
• olive oil
• balsamic vinegar
• thyme
• black pepper
• carrot
• mushroom
• shallot
• parmesan cheese
• salt
• cream
• white wine
• lemon juice
• lemon zest
• garlic
• all purpose flour
• tomato paste
• butter

 

Millet Polenta with Miso and Scallion Oil

4.7/5 - 3 votes

• black pepper
• white miso
• grapeseed
• olive oil
• garlic
• leek
• green onion
• millet
• vegetable broth

 

Creamy Polenta

5/5 - 3 votes

• cornmeal
• salt
• bay leaf
• thyme
• parmesan cheese
• smoked gouda cheese
• chicken stock
• milk
• garlic
• butter
• pepper flake

 

Baked Polenta

5/5 - 2 votes

• salt
• vegetable oil
• polenta
• olive oil

 

Polenta with Meat Sauce

4/5 - 4 votes

• bay leaf
• onion
• tomato
• italian sausage
• cornmeal
• white wine
• salt
• black pepper
• carrot
• parmesan cheese
• light cream
• chicken broth
• olive oil
• garlic
• water
• parsley

 

Very Soft Polenta with Rock Shrimp Ragout

5/5 - 2 votes

• pepper
• polenta
• lemon juice
• sugar
• rock shrimp
• lemon zest
• white wine
• red pepper
• parsley
• olive oil
• tomato paste
• green onion
• salt

 

Cheesy Fried Polenta w/Pan Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts + Roasted Garlic Sage Oil.

3.79/5 - 14 votes

• sage
• honey
• red peper flake
• salt
• sage
• brussels spout
• polenta
• balsamic vinegar
• pomegranate juice
• brie
• salt
• all purpose flour
• butter
• pine nut
• thyme
• olive oil
• blue cheese
• garlic
• water
• pomegranate aril
• pepper

 

Gnocchi and Liquid Polenta with Gorgonzola

4.5/5 - 2 votes

• salt
• vegetable stock powder
• grana padano cheese
• corn
• italian flour
• milk
• egg yolk
• white potato
• cream
• sharp gorgonzola

 

Broiled Polenta with Vegetables and Caramelized Shallots

5/5 - 1 votes

• sugar
• pepper
• rosemary
• salt
• cornmeal
• mozzarella cheese
• butter
• rosemary
• salt
• shiitake mushroom
• parmesan cheese
• shallot
• olive oil
• butter
• bell pepper
• zucchini
• olive oil
• garlic
• vegetable stock

 

Baked Herbed Polenta

5/5 - 1 votes

• yellow cornmeal
• olive oil
• salt
• whipping cream
• parmesan cheese
• water
• thyme

 

Breaded and Butterflied Veal Chop over a Mushroom Polenta with Broccoli Rabe

5/5 - 1 votes

• broccoli rabe
• mushroom polenta
• polenta
• bread crumb
• broccoli rabe
• veal chop
• asiago
• oyster mushroom
• water
• red pepper
• olive oil
• asiago
• heavy cream
• salt
• chicken stock
• garlic
• egg

 

Soft Polenta with Mixed Mushrooms and Gremolata

3/5 - 5 votes

• pepper
• salt
• lemon zest
• garlic
• grain polenta
• mushroom
• parsley
• mascarpone cheese
• olive oil
• green
• butter

 

Sweet Polenta Bites

5/5 - 1 votes

• butter
• sugar
• sugar
• salt
• cream
• yellow polenta

 

Polenta with Mushroom Ragù

5/5 - 1 votes

• all purpose flour
• cinnamon
• olive oil
• mushroom ragù
• polenta
• parsley
• pepper
• salt
• vegetable broth
• onion
• mushroom
• cornmeal
• carrot
• celery
• meat

 

Upside-Down Blood Orange–Polenta Cake

4/5 - 2 votes

• springform
• lemon omani
• cooking spray
• sugar
• vanilla bean
• all purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt
• baking soda
• polenta
• butter
• buttermilk
• light brown sugar
• egg
• blood orange

 

Chestnut Polenta with Pancetta, Balsamic Vinegar, and Ricotta: Pattona

4/5 - 1 votes

• marjoram
• ricotta salata
• thyme
• mineral water
• pancetta
• balsamic vinegar
• olive oil
• chestnut flour
• salt

 

Herbed Cheese Polenta

5/5 - 1 votes

• rosemary
• thyme
• salt
• water
• butter
• parmesan cheese
• milk
• italian parsley
• polenta
• black pepper

 

Caramelized Onion Polenta With Blue Cheese Sauce

5/5 - 4 votes

• blue cheese
• heavy cream
• parmesan cheese
• yellow cornmeal
• butter
• all purpose flour
• dijon mustard
• garlic
• onion
• butter
• chicken
• sugar
• salt
• salt
• heavy cream

Ingredient Breakdown