Skip to main content

Stovetop Creamy Polenta

Ground corn is cooked slowly until creamy and flavorful. Similar to grits, it can be topped many ways for a delicious meal.
Bowls of fine textured polenta.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

4 cups low-sodium broth, any type
1 cup polenta (also known as corn grits)
¼ cup low-fat or nonfat milk (optional)
¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a large saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Turn heat to medium and slowly stir in the polenta. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes.
  3. Turn the heat to low, cover the pan and cook for 20 minutes. Stir every 4 or 5 minutes until the polenta is thick and creamy. Stir in milk, salt and pepper, if desired.
  4. Serve hot with topping of your choice (see Notes).
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Top polenta with any sauce, stew or stir-fry and a sprinkle of cheese.
  • Try polenta topped with milk, fruit and chopped nuts for breakfast.
  • For creamier polenta, use 2 cups broth and 2 cups low-fat milk.
  • For cheesy polenta, stir in ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese at the end of cooking.
  • Enjoy leftover polenta: Refrigerate polenta in a cup. When solid, remove and cut into ½-inch rounds. In a lightly greased skillet on medium heat, cook slices until golden brown on each side. Serve as a side dish with eggs, greens or any meat, fish or poultry.

Comments

I LOVE polenta and this way of making it works really well. I do like adding parmesan cheese and milk at the end. 

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Barley Summer Salad
A clear bowl displays a colorful salad of cooked barley, blueberries and crunchy vegetables.

Barley Summer Salad

Make-ahead fresh and flavorful salad that is hearty and filling.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Rhubarb Blueberry Crisp
Bowl of baked rhubarb and blueberries with a crumbly oat topping.

Rhubarb Blueberry Crisp

Rhubarb and blueberries with a crunchy oatmeal topping makes a delicious fruit dessert.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 ½ cups
Burrito Soup
Bowls of Burrito Soup served with tortillas.

Burrito Soup

This easy soup recipe is made with pantry staples you may have on hand. Refried beans add thickness and flavor.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
10 Cups
Stovetop Creamy Polenta
Bowls of fine textured polenta.

Stovetop Creamy Polenta

Ground corn is cooked slowly until creamy and flavorful. Similar to grits, it can be topped many ways for a delicious meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
4 servings
Stovetop Quinoa
Bowls of cooked quinoa.

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Ants on a Log
Celery sticks spread with peanut butter and topped with raisins are displayed on a plate in a pinwheel formation. In the middle of the plate is a celery and peanut butter stick with mini pretzels extending out of the peanut butter like the wings of a butterfly.

Ants on a Log

Have some fun with this snack! Peanut butter, raisins and your imagination can be used to fill and decorate crunchy celery sticks.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 servings