Description
Parmesan polenta delivers creamy comfort with Italian sophistication. Garten’s simple method ensures rich, cheesy goodness that welcomes diners to savor each luxurious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tbsps (½ stick or 57 g) unsalted butter, divided, plus extra for the dish
- 2 to 3 cups (480 to 720 ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (480 ml) good chicken stock, preferably homemade
- 1 cup (120 g) fine yellow cornmeal, such as Quaker
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese, divided
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly butter an 11 x 9 x 2-inch oval baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mixing: Combine cornmeal, chicken stock, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper directly in the prepared baking dish, whisking to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
- Initial Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
- Texture Refinement: Remove the polenta from the oven and vigorously whisk until smooth, adjusting the texture with additional milk if necessary. Distribute diced butter evenly across the surface.
- Final Baking: Return the dish to the oven for 10 minutes, letting the butter melt and integrate into the polenta.
- Cheese Incorporation: Fold in ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mixture reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and a light dusting of black pepper over the top. Serve immediately while piping hot to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Butter Coating Strategy: Generously grease the baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Whisking Technique: Vigorously whisk the polenta after initial baking to create a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
- Consistency Control: Add milk gradually to adjust thickness, preventing the polenta from becoming too dense or dry.
- Cheese Layering: Fold in Parmesan cheese in two stages for a more complex, rich flavor profile and better cheese distribution.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg