What is Polenta and How is It Prepared?

Polenta is a classic dish from northern Italy, made from coarsely ground cornmeal. When freshly cooked, it has a smooth, creamy consistency, similar to porridge, making it the perfect base for savory sauces. It’s also a fantastic gluten-free alternative to pasta. Once cooled, polenta firms up and can be sliced, fried, or used in layers like pasta sheets.

Looking for more reasons to enjoy the versatility of polenta? Check out 8 Fantastic Reasons to Fall in Love with Cooking Polenta.

What Sets Grits and Polenta Apart?

Grits and polenta differ in several ways. While grits are typically made from white corn, polenta is made from yellow corn. Polenta has a coarser, flakier texture, making it chewier when cooked, whereas grits are finer and softer, becoming more gelatinous as they cook.

Grits hail from the American South, often enjoyed as a breakfast dish. Polenta, on the other hand, comes from Italy. This regional difference influences how they're served: grits are typically a morning meal, while polenta is usually a main or side dish for lunch or dinner.

How Does Polenta Compare to Semolina?

Polenta, made from corn, is naturally gluten-free. Semolina, in contrast, is a high-gluten flour made from durum wheat, commonly used in the making of pasta, cakes, and breads.

What is a Polenta Log?

Precooked polenta is available in the form of a log, sometimes referred to as tubed polenta. Simply slice and fry it to enjoy.

What is Polenta Cake?

Polenta isn’t just for savory dishes; it also makes a delicious base for cakes. Gluten-free polenta cake often includes almond flour or finely ground almonds for added texture and flavor.

How to Prepare Polenta

Recipe: How to Prepare Polenta

"Polenta is the ideal base for any rich, saucy meat or mushroom ragout," says Chef John. "The traditional ratio is 1 part polenta to 4 parts water, but I prefer to use a little less than a full cup of polenta. I often swap water with chicken broth for extra flavor." See the full recipe below:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 cup polenta
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; gradually add the polenta to the boiling water, whisking continuously until fully incorporated and smooth.
2. Lower the heat to a simmer, whisking regularly, until the polenta begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. The mixture should remain slightly loose. Cover and continue cooking for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 to 6 minutes. When the polenta thickens too much to whisk, switch to a wooden spoon. It's done when it’s creamy and the grains are tender.
3. Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts slightly. Mix in 1/2 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until fully incorporated. Cover and let the polenta sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Stir and taste for seasoning before transferring to a serving bowl.
4. Top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese as a garnish.

Favorite Polenta Recipes

Rich and Creamy Parmesan Polenta

"This creamy polenta is both easy and irresistible," says Keith Haney. "It’s perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or as a base for a hearty stew."

Polenta with Spicy Sausage and Vegetable Sauce

"This dish features refrigerated polenta topped with a flavorful stove-top sauce," says SPICYGIRL. "We like using flavored polenta with spicy Italian sausage and a dash of extra spicy Italian seasoning for a real kick, but regular sausage and seasoning will work too. It serves 4 to 6 people."

Sausage and Peppers on Creamy Parmesan Polenta

"A hearty combination of spicy Italian sausage and peppers is served over creamy Parmesan polenta in this satisfying weeknight meal," says Julie Hubert.

Vegan Polenta

"A rich and creamy polenta made without any animal products," says Buckwheat Queen. "This is a perfect savory side dish, pairing beautifully with tomato-based sauces, beans, and sautéed mushrooms."

Polenta Fries

"This is a fun twist on classic French fries," says ALEC1967. "If you don't want to make your own from scratch, simply buy pre-made polenta from most grocery stores, slice it into fries, and fry it up."

Baked Polenta with Fresh Tomatoes and Parmesan

"This dish is an excellent way to showcase the flavors of fresh summer tomatoes," says rjohl. "It pairs wonderfully as a side with grilled chicken or pork chops."

Angie's Polenta Lasagna

"Super simple and absolutely delicious!" says Angie S. "This dish is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great base for endless variations."

Vegan 'Meat' Sauce on Polenta

"A tasty, quick, and comforting vegan meal," says shelbyRS93. "I like to spice things up with a bit of hot sauce (like Tabasco) or cayenne pepper, but that's just my personal touch!"