The Best Ina Garten Fresh Corn Polenta Recipe for Summer

Fresh corn polenta represents a creamy, comforting delicacy that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious culinary experience.

Kernels bursting with summer sweetness blend seamlessly with rich dairy and smooth cornmeal.

This Italian-inspired dish offers a silky texture that melts beautifully on your palate.

Complex flavors develop as each ingredient harmonizes, creating a sublime accompaniment to various main courses.

Regional traditions inspire its preparation, highlighting the fundamental beauty of straightforward cooking techniques.

Seasonal corn elevates the traditional polenta into something extraordinary and unexpected.

Passionate home cooks appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness: prepare to be amazed.

How to Make Corn Polenta Ina’s Way

Step 1: Gather Flavor Boosters

• Chicken stock
• Water
• Garlic
• Cornmeal
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Butter
• Fresh corn kernels
• Parmesan cheese
• Crème fraîche

Step 2: Create Aromatic Liquid Base

In a large saucepan, combine chicken stock, water, and finely minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, allowing the garlic to release its delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Craft Smooth Cornmeal Magic

Gradually whisk cornmeal into the boiling liquid, using a smooth, steady motion to prevent any pesky lumps from forming. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, then season with salt and pepper. Stir consistently for about 15 minutes until the polenta transforms into a creamy, thick delight.

Step 4: Elevate Corn to Golden Perfection

Heat butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add fresh corn kernels and cook for 5-8 minutes. Watch for those beautiful golden-brown edges that signal perfectly caramelized corn.

Step 5: Blend Luxurious Finishing Touches

Remove polenta from heat. Fold in the golden corn kernels, freshly grated Parmesan, and silky crème fraîche. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Transfer the creamy polenta to serving dishes immediately. Enjoy the warm, comforting blend of flavors while it’s piping hot.

Tips for Smooth, Sweet Polenta

• Maximize Fresh Corn's Sweetness: Select bright yellow corn with plump, milky kernels for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your polenta.
• Master Smooth Stirring Technique: Use a sturdy wooden spoon or whisk and stir in a consistent, circular motion to prevent cornmeal clumping and create a silky texture.
• Control Heat for Perfect Consistency: Maintain a gentle, low simmer that allows cornmeal to slowly absorb liquid without scorching, creating a creamy, luxurious dish.
• Balance Seasoning Strategically: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting after incorporating Parmesan and crème fraîche to achieve a perfectly balanced final flavor profile.
• Elevate Corn's Natural Sweetness: Brown corn kernels briefly in butter to develop deep, caramelized notes that intensify the overall richness of the polenta.

Best Ways to Store Corn Polenta

• Freeze: Spread cooled polenta in a thin, even layer inside a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between portions. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze up to 1 month for maximum flavor preservation. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Vacuum Seal: Pack cold polenta into vacuum-sealed bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain texture. This method keeps the dish fresh for 2-3 months and prevents potential moisture loss during storage.
• Portion Control: Divide leftover polenta into individual serving sizes before storing. Use small airtight containers or silicone molds to make reheating and portioning easier, reducing waste and ensuring each serving remains deliciously consistent.

Polenta Variations You Can Play With

• Summer Sweet Corn Polenta: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick and garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Herb-Infused Polenta Remix: Incorporate chopped fresh basil and thyme into the cornmeal mixture. Top with crispy pancetta bits for extra texture and savory depth.
• Mediterranean Inspired Polenta: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese. Mix in roasted red peppers and sprinkle with za'atar seasoning for a Middle Eastern flair.
• Smoky Bacon Corn Polenta: Cook chopped bacon until crisp before adding corn kernels. Use bacon drippings instead of butter for an intense smoky undertone. Finish with green onions for brightness.

Why You’ll Love Fresh Corn Polenta

• Burst with Fresh Summer Flavors: This polenta recipe celebrates the sweet, vibrant taste of fresh corn kernels, creating a dish that captures the essence of seasonal summer produce with rich, creamy textures.
• Effortless Gourmet Elegance: Ina Garten's simple yet sophisticated method transforms basic ingredients into a luxurious side dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, without requiring complex cooking skills.
• Creamy Comfort with Gourmet Twist: The combination of smooth polenta, butter-sautéed corn, Parmesan, and crème fraîche delivers a decadent comfort food experience with an elevated culinary touch that makes every bite indulgent and satisfying.
• Quick and Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe offers a quick, adaptable side dish that can complement grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or stand alone as a delightful vegetarian option for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Fresh Corn Polenta Perfection

• Chicken Stock, Water: Provides a flavorful liquid base for the polenta, creating depth of taste.
• Cornmeal: Creamy core ingredient that transforms into a smooth, rich polenta with proper cooking.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and subtle savory notes to the base liquid.

• Fresh Corn Kernels: Sweet, bright summer corn that adds texture and natural sweetness to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that brings a rich umami flavor and creamy texture.
• Crème Fraîche: Luxurious, smooth dairy that adds richness and subtle tanginess to the polenta.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps cook the corn with a golden, slightly caramelized edge.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Final Scoop on Fresh Corn Polenta

Corn Polenta Perfection emerges as pure culinary magic from Ina Garten’s kitchen, blending rustic charm with sophisticated flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired comfort radiates through each creamy spoonful, connecting generations of home cooks.

Garten’s masterful technique transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary dining experiences that celebrate seasonal produce.

Warm Parmesan undertones and sweet corn kernels create harmony on your plate, inviting sensory exploration.

Complex textures dance between silky polenta and caramelized corn edges, promising pure satisfaction.

Passionate chefs and curious home cooks: dive into this recipe, share your delicious results, spark conversations, and spread culinary joy with friends and social media followers.

Ina Garten Fresh Corn Polenta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s fresh corn polenta brings Italian countryside comfort to summer dining. Silky kernels blend with creamy cheese, creating a luxurious side dish that celebrates seasonal corn’s natural sweetness and rich flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken stock
• 3 cups fresh corn kernels
• ¾ cup fine cornmeal
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons crème fraîche

Seasonings:

• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the liquid base by combining chicken stock, water, and finely chopped garlic in a large saucepan, heating the mixture until it reaches a vigorous boil over high heat.
2. Gradually introduce cornmeal into the boiling liquid, whisking continuously to prevent any clumping. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Maintain a steady stirring motion while the polenta cooks for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency as the mixture thickens.
4. Meanwhile, melt butter in a separate large sauté pan over medium heat, then add fresh corn kernels and cook for 5-8 minutes until they develop a light golden-brown color and are thoroughly heated.
5. Remove the polenta from heat and fold in the caramelized corn kernels, grated Parmesan cheese, and luxurious crème fraîche, blending the ingredients until well incorporated.
6. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the creamy corn polenta to serving dishes and present immediately while hot.

Notes

• Caramelize corn for depth: Browning kernels in the pan unleashes rich, nutty undertones that elevate the entire dish.
• Select premium cornmeal: High-quality, stone-ground cornmeal creates a more authentic and velvety polenta texture.
• Maintain gentle stirring technique: Consistent, slow whisking prevents stubborn lumps and ensures silky smooth consistency.
• Incorporate dairy at final stage: Adding Parmesan and crème fraîche transforms the polenta, intensifying its creamy richness.
• Control heat for perfect result: Low, steady simmering guarantees even cooking without scorching the delicate mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 60mg