Creamy Parmesan Polenta

$To make Creamy Parmesan Polenta, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup polenta (cornmeal) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Salt to taste - Freshly ground black pepper to taste - Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish These ingredients come together to create a warm, creamy dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. You can change some ingredients based on what you have at home: - Polenta: If you cannot find polenta, use cornmeal. The texture will be similar. - Vegetable broth: Chicken broth works well if you want a richer flavor. - Parmesan cheese: Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are tasty alternatives. - Heavy cream: For a lighter option, use milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk. - Butter: Olive oil can replace butter for a healthier fat option. Feel free to swap these ingredients as needed, making it your own. Grab these tools to make the cooking process easier: - Large saucepan: This is key for cooking the polenta evenly. - Whisk: A whisk helps you mix the polenta smoothly without lumps. - Wooden spoon: Use this to stir the polenta while it simmers. - Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the best results. - Serving spoon: A sturdy spoon helps you serve the polenta neatly. With these tools, you'll be ready to create a delicious bowl of Creamy Parmesan Polenta in no time! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling four cups of vegetable broth in a large saucepan. Use medium-high heat for this. Once the broth bubbles, slowly whisk in one cup of polenta. Keep stirring to stop any lumps from forming. After mixing, turn the heat to low. Let the polenta simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Stir often. The polenta will thicken and become tender. It should feel creamy and smooth. After cooking, add half a cup of heavy cream, two tablespoons of unsalted butter, and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until everything blends together. The polenta should look rich and creamy. Taste it, then add salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust to find the right flavor that you love. Once you finish cooking, remove the polenta from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes. This thickens it slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top. Parsley or chives work great. These herbs add color and flavor. Now your creamy Parmesan polenta is ready to be enjoyed! To make creamy polenta, use a good ratio of polenta to liquid. I find that 1 cup of polenta needs about 4 cups of broth for the best texture. Always whisk the polenta slowly into the boiling broth. This helps prevent lumps. Stir continuously to keep the polenta smooth. Cook it on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. The polenta should be thick and tender. If your polenta turns out lumpy, don't worry! You can fix it. Just whisk it vigorously after cooking to break up the lumps. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth or cream to loosen it. Taste your polenta before serving. If it lacks flavor, add more salt or cheese. Adjust the seasoning for a better taste. To boost the flavor, consider adding herbs. Fresh parsley or chives make a great garnish. You can also stir in roasted garlic for depth. A sprinkle of black pepper adds a nice kick. For a twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. These additions make your polenta unique and delicious. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Broth: For the best flavor, choose a high-quality vegetable broth or make your own. This will enhance the overall taste of your polenta. Whisk Constantly: When adding the polenta to the boiling broth, whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming and ensure a smooth texture. Let It Rest: Allow the polenta to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This lets it thicken further and makes it easier to serve. Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan adds great flavor, try mixing in other cheeses like Gouda or Fontina for a unique twist on the classic recipe. {{image_2}} You can take creamy Parmesan polenta to the next level with flavors. Try adding herbs or spices. For a twist, mix in garlic powder or smoked paprika. You can also stir in some roasted garlic for depth. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten the dish. Each flavor brings a unique taste and makes the polenta special. While Parmesan is rich and tasty, other cheeses work well too. For a sharper taste, use aged cheddar. If you want something creamier, try goat cheese or cream cheese. For a milder flavor, use mozzarella. You can even mix different cheeses for a complex flavor. Just keep the cheese creamy so it blends well with the polenta. To make your polenta heartier, add vegetables or proteins. Cooked mushrooms or spinach blend nicely into the polenta. You can also add roasted bell peppers for sweetness. If you want protein, stir in cooked sausage or shredded chicken. For a vegetarian option, try adding beans or lentils. This makes the dish filling and nutritious, perfect for any meal. To store leftover polenta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep moisture in. When you are ready to eat, use a saucepan to reheat the polenta. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. Stir it over low heat until it warms up. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring between each one. To freeze polenta, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped polenta in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above for a tasty meal. Polenta is a dish made from ground corn. It's a staple in Italian cooking. To make polenta, you need just a few ingredients. Start with polenta, which is cornmeal. You cook it in boiling water or broth. I usually use vegetable broth for more flavor. Gradually whisk in the polenta while stirring. This helps prevent lumps. Let it simmer until it thickens, about 20-25 minutes. Then, mix in butter, cream, and cheese for a rich taste. Yes, you can prepare Creamy Parmesan Polenta ahead of time. Make the polenta as usual and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, reheat it with a little broth or water. Stir it well to bring back its creamy texture. If you want, add more cheese or cream for extra richness. To make polenta without lumps, follow these steps. First, bring your liquid to a boil. Next, slowly add the polenta while whisking continuously. This is key to a smooth texture. If you notice lumps, keep stirring and reduce the heat. Use a wooden spoon to break any lumps. Cook it low and slow, stirring often. This will help create the creamy consistency you want. You learned how to make creamy Parmesan polenta with simple steps and tips. You can customize flavors with different ingredients and variations. Storing and reheating polenta is easy, so don't worry about leftovers. Always aim for a smooth texture to impress your guests. Now, it's time to enjoy making this delicious dish. Your polenta adventure can be endless. Get creative, and have fun!$

Creamy Parmesan Polenta

A rich and creamy polenta dish made with Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, perfect as a side or main dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
to taste Salt
to taste Freshly ground black pepper
for garnish Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)

Instructions

In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
Gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Once incorporated, reduce the heat to low and let the polenta simmer. Stir frequently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the polenta is tender.
Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy and well blended.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
For an extra touch, garnish with chopped fresh herbs just before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, use homemade vegetable broth.

Keyword creamy, Parmesan, polenta, vegetarian