This creamy polenta recipe is not only simple to make, but also versatile. You can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Flavored with butter, parsley and parmesan this homemade polenta is a tasty alternative to pasta or potato side dishes.
Pour water into a saucepan, add salt and bring to a boil. Once boiling, start adding polenta at stages, while whisking all the time. If you don’t whisk well, lumps will form.
If you see the polenta starts “spitting”, reduce the heat to low and stir constantly for at least 5 minutes. Then, let it simmer for a further 30 minutes, stirring from time to time (at this stage swap a whisk for a wooden spoon – it will be easier to stir).
Check, if the consistency is to your liking. If not, adjust: If too thick, add more water, if thin, cook longer.
Finally, stir in butter, parmesan, parsley and black pepper. Taste it and add more seasoning, if needed.
Enjoy!
Notes
For creamy polenta that does not thicken to the point that you can slice it when cooled down, use 2.5 to 3 cups of water. If not sure, start with 2 cups and add more water if you see the polenta is way too thick to your liking.
I usually start with ½ teaspoon of salt and add more at the very end. This way I make sure I won’t over-season my homemade polenta as parmesan itself is salty.
You can use salted butter. If you do, then I would also recommend adding more than ½ teaspoon of salt after you have mixed in everything and after you have tasted it.
This polenta recipe can be easily doubled. If you do, make sure to use a larger pot, not a saucepan. A 3-quart/3-liter one should be plenty.
The longer you cook, the creamier your polenta but also the thicker, so keep an eye on it and remove from the heat when the consistency is to your liking.
More answers to FAQ’s and useful tips can be found in the post above this recipe card.
Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Ceamy Polenta Recipe, Easy Polenta Recipe, How to make Polenta
Nutrition Facts
Creamy Polenta
Amount per Serving
Calories
233
% Daily Value*
Fat
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
5
g
31
%
Cholesterol
20
mg
7
%
Sodium
720
mg
31
%
Potassium
128
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
29
g
10
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
402
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
3
mg
4
%
Calcium
98
mg
10
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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