Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (coarse or medium grind)
- 1 cup whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional but recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a hint of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Mince the garlic and sauté it in butter or olive oil over low heat until fragrant to remove raw sharpness. Set aside.
- Heat the Liquid: Bring vegetable broth and milk to a simmer in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Cornmeal: Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a slow, steady stream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Simmer and Stir: Lower heat to medium-low, and stir frequently as the polenta thickens. Cook for 20–25 minutes or until creamy and porridge-like in texture. Add warm broth or milk if too thick.
- Add the Flavor: Stir in sautéed garlic, butter, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well until cheese is fully incorporated.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasoning or consistency as needed with more parmesan or warm liquid.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon onto plates, garnish with parsley, extra parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use high-quality, stone-ground cornmeal for better texture and flavor.
- Whisk constantly at the start to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Cook over low heat to prevent scorching.
- Polenta thickens as it cools, so serve immediately.
- To reheat firmed polenta, add a splash of warm liquid to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
