Simple Polenta
by Kimberley S in Rouxbe RecipesRich in corn flavor, this simple and tasty polenta pairs well with full-flavored dishes.
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If you really want to learn how to cook, then you need to practice the concepts taught in this lesson. We've compiled some "edible exercises" along with some supporting recipes that will help reinforce what was taught in this lesson.
Purchase a package of medium-grind, quality cornmeal. Using the cold method, cook ½ cup of cornmeal, using a 5:1 ratio of liquid to cornmeal (2 ½ cups liquid to ½ cup cornmeal). Make sure the liquid you use (either water, stock or a combination of both) is well-seasoned. Follow the instructions in the lesson and cook the polenta until the cornmeal is fully hydrated. Finish the polenta by stirring in a knob of butter or some heavy cream and/or some freshly-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve as a side dish or top with your favorite sauce.
Experiment with different ratios, grinds and brands to see what type of cornmeal you prefer most. Remember that you can infuse flavor by adding different liquids and seasoning to the cornmeal. You can also sweat some onions and/or garlic prior to cooking the polenta (see the recipe example below for Soft Polenta). Keep in mind that you want to enhance – not mask or overpower – the flavor of the corn.
Have some fun by trying out the Polenta on the Board (see recipe below). Follow the recipe or smother it with your favorite sauce and toppings.
Try some of the sauces, vegetables, meats, braised dishes or vegetables listed below over basic polenta.
Rich in corn flavor, this simple and tasty polenta pairs well with full-flavored dishes.
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A traditional and fun way to serve family-style polenta. This one is topped with a rich tomato sauce and Italian sausage, ...
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For a fancy breakfast or brunch, try steamed eggs with polenta, sausage and roasted red peppers.
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An easy Italian side dish made from coarse cornmeal, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs.
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Popular in Northern Italy, this polenta dish is pure comfort food. A rich, sun-dried tomato and sausage ragu is served ove...
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For an unordinary breakfast, try creamy polenta topped with bananas and sweet maple syrup.
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This rich and flavorful braised oxtail ragu is delicious served with pasta, gnocchi or even creamy polenta.
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Delicious polenta is topped with crispy pancetta, a perfectly-cooked poached egg and a drizzle of homemade pesto.
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A family favorite - lightly seared pork shoulder is braised* in a combination of milk, cream, garlic and rosemary.
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Just a few simple ingredients: olive oil, onion, garlic, quality tomato paste and tomatoes make up this healthy and very f...
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Healthy and delicious kale, braised with onions, garlic and stock. This absolutely yummy vegetable goes well with almost a...
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Chicken thighs, tomato, garlic, shallots and white wine come together in a big way with this slow-braised dish. Think of i...
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Buttery sauteed mushrooms make an excellent side dish and also add delicious flavor to many other dishes.
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An inexpensive yet fancy family meal that everyone will surely love. Pork tenderloin is first brined for extra flavor and ...
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This classic ragu Bolognese consists of vegetables, veal, pork and pancetta which are slow-cooked with milk, white wine an...
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Italian Chicken Marsala is simple, flavorful and quick to prepare. Golden, pan-fried chicken breasts are smothered in a de...
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Tender and juicy rack of pork is the perfect Sunday night dinner. In fact this is so easy to make that it makes a great di...
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