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Creamy Parmesan Polenta with Fresh Herbs Recipe

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This creamy polenta recipe combines coarse cornmeal with milk and water, cooked slowly to a rich, fluffy texture. Finished with butter and Parmesan cheese, it makes a comforting side dish with optional fresh herbs for added flavor.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Liquid Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup milk

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 cup coarse or medium-grind cornmeal

Fats and Dairy

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Herbs (Optional)

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary or parsley

Instructions

  1. Boil Liquids: Bring 4 cups of water and 1 cup of milk to a boil in a 3-4 quart heavy-duty saucepan or small Dutch oven. Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt.
  2. Add Cornmeal Gradually: Slowly sprinkle 1 cup of coarse or medium-grind cornmeal into the boiling liquid while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until fully incorporated and smooth.
  3. Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to a very low simmer, cover the pan, and cook the polenta for 25-35 minutes, up to 45 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue until polenta is thick, fluffy, and pulls away from the pan edges.
  4. Finish with Butter and Cheese: Remove the polenta from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of butter and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt to taste if needed.
  5. Serve: Serve the creamy polenta warm, garnished with 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary or parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use kosher salt as specified; adjust amount to taste if using table salt.
  • Stirring regularly during cooking prevents lumps and sticking.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
  • Polenta texture can be adjusted by cooking time; longer cooking results in thicker consistency.
  • Fresh herbs add a nice aromatic touch but are optional.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/creamy-parmesan-polenta-with-fresh-herbs-recipe/