Ina Garten’s Golden Sunshine Corn Polenta Recipe: A Summer Delight

Summer’s golden harvest meets culinary magic in this creamy Ina Garten fresh corn polenta that sings with seasonal warmth.

Sweet kernels burst with flavor, promising a dish that’s both rustic and elegant.

Each spoonful delivers pure comfort, blending traditional techniques with garden-fresh ingredients.

corn transforms from simple vegetable to luxurious side dish through careful preparation.

The recipe captures the essence of comfortable cooking – uncomplicated yet deeply satisfying.

Her approach turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll love how easily this polenta comes together, creating a memorable meal that celebrates summer’s bounty.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 319 kcal

Servings: 4

All the Ingredients in Ina Garten’s Fresh Corn Polenta

• Chicken Stock, Water: Provides deep, savory foundation for creamy polenta, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic: Infuses aromatic depth, select fresh cloves with firm, smooth skin for robust flavor.

• Cornmeal: Creates silky, luxurious base, opt for stone-ground variety for richer texture and more authentic taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper for extra zesty kick.

• Fresh Corn Kernels: Adds sweet, juicy burst of summer flavor, select bright, plump kernels with milky interior.
• Butter: Contributes rich, smooth undertone, choose high-quality unsalted butter for pure, clean taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty complexity, select freshly grated for maximum melting potential.
• Crème Fraîche: Delivers luxurious creaminess, look for smooth, tangy version to elevate dish's richness.

Get Prepped: Tools for Ina Garten’s Creamy Corn Polenta

• Large Saucepan: Essential for boiling stock and cooking creamy polenta.
• Large Sauté Pan: Perfect for sautéing fresh corn kernels to golden perfection.
• Whisk: Critical for smoothly incorporating cornmeal without pesky lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing corn kernels and mincing garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Used to remove corn kernels from the cob.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring polenta during cooking to prevent sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities.

Cooking Instructions for Ina Garten’s Fresh Corn Polenta

• Flavor Base

Gather a large saucepan and prepare to craft a rich corn polenta with aromatic ingredients like chicken stock, water, and garlic.

• Cornmeal Magic

Gradually introduce cornmeal into the boiling liquid, whisking carefully to prevent any unwanted clumps. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, transforming into a creamy, smooth texture.

• Corn Celebration

In a separate pan, melt butter and welcome fresh corn kernels. Allow them to dance and caramelize, developing a golden, sweet character with slightly crisp edges.

• Luxurious Finale

Remove the polenta from heat and invite Parmesan and crème fraîche to join the party. Gently fold these decadent ingredients into the corn mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings to make the dish truly sing.

Flavor Tips for Ina Garten’s Farm-Fresh Polenta

• Swap frozen corn for fresh when in a pinch, ensuring you drain excess moisture before sautéing for perfect caramelization.
• Experiment with different hard cheeses like aged cheddar, pecorino, or gruyère to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet corn.
• For extra smoothness, pass the polenta through a fine-mesh strainer before adding corn, creating an ultra-silky consistency that melts in your mouth.
• Boost flavor by adding diced jalapeños, smoky paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme and chives during the corn sautéing stage for an unexpected flavor burst.
• Prepare polenta ahead of time and reheat gently with additional stock, stirring constantly to maintain creamy texture and prevent sticking.

Presenting Ina Garten’s Fresh Corn Polenta Just Right

• Garnish Like a Pro: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley on top to add a burst of color and fresh herb flavor that complements the creamy polenta.
• Pair with Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or pan-seared steak to create a complete and satisfying meal that highlights the polenta's rich texture.
• Create a Brunch Centerpiece: Transform this dish into a stunning brunch offering by topping with a perfectly poached egg and a drizzle of extra Parmesan cheese for an indulgent morning experience.
• Rustic Dinner Party Delight: Present the polenta in a large family-style dish, allowing guests to scoop and share, creating a warm and inviting communal dining atmosphere.

Save & Store Tips for Ina Garten’s Corn Polenta

• Maximize Freshness and Flavor
• Store polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The creamy texture might change slightly, so gently reheat with a splash of chicken stock to restore its original smoothness.
• Quick Reheating Trick
• Warm polenta in a microwave or stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add extra butter or stock to maintain its luscious, creamy consistency when reheating.
• Meal Prep Strategy
• Prepare polenta base in advance and store separately from corn topping. Keep components refrigerated and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Freezing Recommendation
• Freeze plain polenta in sealed containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and refresh with additional stock when reheating. Avoid freezing corn and dairy components for best quality.

Silky Fresh Corn Polenta Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s fresh corn polenta brings classic Italian comfort to your kitchen with creamy, golden goodness. Corn kernels blend smoothly with butter and cheese, creating a side dish you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (720 ml) fresh corn kernels
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken stock
• ¾ cup (90 g) fine cornmeal
• 4 tbsps (57 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) crème fraîche
• 1 ½ tsps minced garlic (2 cloves)
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Liquid Foundation: Combine chicken stock, water, and garlic in a large saucepan, bringing the mixture to a robust boil over high heat.
2. Cornmeal Integration: Whisk cornmeal into the boiling liquid with continuous motion, reducing heat to a gentle simmer and seasoning with salt and black pepper to develop a robust flavor profile.
3. Corn Caramelization: Simultaneously, melt butter in a separate sauté pan and cook corn kernels until they transform into a golden-brown hue, releasing their natural sweetness and developing a rich, intense flavor.
4. Polenta Refinement: Remove the cornmeal mixture from heat, then fold in the caramelized corn, incorporating Parmesan cheese and crème fraîche to create a luxuriously creamy texture with complex flavor dimensions.
5. Final Presentation: Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting with additional salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the velvety corn polenta to serving dishes, ensuring immediate service while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and silky consistency.

Notes

• Prevent Lumps: Whisk vigorously and consistently when adding cornmeal to boiling liquid to ensure a silky, smooth texture without any unwanted clumps.
• Corn Caramelization Tip: Cook corn kernels on medium heat until they develop a light golden-brown color, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
• Timing is Critical: Stir polenta continuously during the 15-minute cooking process to maintain a creamy consistency and prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Serve Immediately: Transfer polenta to serving dishes right after adding final ingredients to preserve its optimal temperature and luxurious texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 319
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg