How to Make Polenta

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil reduces saturated fat and adds flavor.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds umami.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

cornmeal

🥗Healthier: polenta flour

💰Cheaper: grits

Grits are often cheaper and have a similar texture.

Bring liquid, butter and a pinch of salt to a boil.

Slowly add the cornmeal while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Scrape the polenta into a buttered parchment lined half sheet pan to an even thickness with a spatula that has been dipped in water. Refrigerate the polenta until well chilled.

To serve, unmold the polenta and cut into shapes. Sauté or grill the polenta for service. Garnish with Parmesan.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens