Description
Creamy parmesan polenta delights home cooks with classic Italian comfort. Rich cheese and smooth cornmeal create a luxurious side dish perfect for sophisticated dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 170 grams (6 oz) yellow cornmeal
- 1 litre (33.8 fl oz) chicken stock
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 60 milliliters (2 fl oz) crème fraîche
- 30 grams (1 oz) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsp minced garlic (2 cloves)
Instructions
- Liquid Preparation: Bring chicken stock to a rolling boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, infusing with minced garlic for an aromatic foundation.
- Cornmeal Integration: Gradually whisk cornmeal into the simmering stock, maintaining constant motion to eliminate potential lumps and ensure a smooth, uniform texture.
- Cooking and Seasoning: Reduce heat to medium-low, stir with a wooden spoon, and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, continuously stirring to prevent scorching and achieve a creamy, thick consistency.
- Enrichment and Finishing: Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese, crème fraîche, and unsalted butter. Blend thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, glossy emulsion with depth of flavor.
- Serving and Presentation: Immediately transfer the hot polenta to serving dishes, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance both visual appeal and taste complexity.
Notes
- Prevent Lumps: Continuously whisk cornmeal while adding to hot stock to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without unwanted clumps.
- Monitor Heat Carefully: Maintain a gentle simmer and stir frequently to avoid scorching and achieve perfect consistency.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smooth melting compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Serve Immediately: Polenta sets quickly, so transfer to warm dishes right away to preserve its creamy, luxurious consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg