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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Maintain a steady stirring motion while the polenta cooks for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency as the mixture thickens.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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