Description
Ina Garten’s creamy parmesan polenta delivers Italian comfort with rich, silky goodness. Cheese-infused cornmeal promises a luxurious side dish that brings warmth and elegance to dinner tables, inviting you to savor each remarkable spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- ¼ cup crème fraîche
- 2 tablespoons (¼ stick) unsalted butter
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably stone-ground
- 4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade (recipe follows)
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
Instructions
- In a spacious saucepan, combine 1 litre () of chicken stock with 2 minced garlic cloves, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the flame to medium-low and gradually introduce 150 grams () of yellow cornmeal, using a whisk to incorporate smoothly and prevent any clumping.
- Switch to a sturdy wooden spoon and fold in of kosher salt and of freshly ground black pepper, maintaining a gentle simmer.
- Continue stirring consistently for approximately 10 minutes, carefully scraping the pan’s bottom to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
- Remove the saucepan from direct heat and gently fold in 100 grams () of grated Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy texture.
- Incorporate 60 millilitres (¼ cup) of crème fraîche and 30 grams () of unsalted butter, stirring until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth and glossy.
- Taste the polenta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Transfer to a serving dish immediately, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Elevate your stock choice by crafting homemade chicken broth for unparalleled depth and richness that supermarket alternatives can’t deliver.
- Prevent stubborn lumps by gradually incorporating cornmeal with a steady, patient whisking technique that guarantees silky smoothness.
- Maintain constant movement while cooking, using a wooden spoon to scrape pan bottoms and prevent dreaded burning or sticking scenarios.
- Reserve seasoning adjustments for the final moments, understanding Parmesan’s inherent saltiness can dramatically impact overall flavor balance.
- Embrace immediate serving as your golden rule, recognizing polenta’s quick transformation from creamy to dense; keep additional stock nearby to restore luxurious texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 897.2mg
- Fat: 8.4g
- Saturated Fat: 5.0g
- Carbohydrates: 31.7g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 10.4g
- Cholesterol: 20.9mg