Five Minute Polenta

A versatile five minute side dish that's a great accompaniment to any meal

I didn't grow up eating polenta or grits, but now it's something that I make almost every week. To me, it's hard to serve a meal without some sort of starch on the plate, but polenta has the benefit of being both gluten free and much quicker to make than rice, potatoes, or pasta. Polenta is an Italian dish that's basically just cooked cornmeal that is finer ground than Southern grits. I keep a box of quick-cooking polenta in my pantry at all times so that I can make this quick and easy side dish anytime. The basic five minute polenta recipe that I listed below can be changed numerous ways and I'm always trying new riffs by adding in grated cheese and/or herbs, subbing milk for sour cream or creme fraiche, subbing chicken broth for other liquid, etc. Just make sure to cook your polenta right before serving because it will quickly solidify.


Related Recipes:
- Roasted Sausages with Polenta
- Fresh Corn & Goat Cheese Polenta
- Chicken Sausage Ragu with Parmesan Polenta


Five Minute Polenta:

• Combine 1 clove minced garlic and 2 c. low-sodium chicken broth in a pot and bring to a boil.
• Lower the heat to a simmer and whisk in 1/2 c. quick-cooking polenta and a big pinch of salt and pepper.
• Stir for 3-4 minutes, or until polenta thickens, then add in a big splash of milk and 2 tbsp. butter.
• Turn off the heat and taste for seasoning; adjust if needed.
• Spoon the polenta onto plates and serve immediately.

Serves two-four (side dish)