Try these unique polenta recipes today
What's the story
A staple of Italian cuisine, polenta is basically boiled cornmeal that makes for an excellent base for numerous dishes.
Its mild flavor and creamy texture make for an excellent canvas for culinary creativity.
Be it as a side dish or the main attraction, polenta can be turned into stunning meals that tantalize your taste buds.
Here are five irresistible ways to redefine polenta in your kitchen.
Roasted delight
Creamy polenta with roasted vegetables
Creamy polenta and roasted vegetables make for a beautiful pair. It's such a hearty and satisfying dish.
To make, cook polenta until smooth and creamy and top it with some assorted roasted seasonal vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes).
The sweetness of the roasted vegetables will complement the rich texture of the polenta perfectly.
Grilled goodness
Grilled polenta cakes with tomato salsa
Transform your cooked polenta into grilled cakes by letting it cool and set before slicing it into rounds.
Grill the slices until they are crispy from the outside.
Serve topped with fresh tomato salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt for a refreshing twist on traditional polenta.
Crispy treats
Baked polenta fries with herb dip
For a fun twist on fries, cut cooled polenta into sticks and bake until golden brown.
These baked polenta fries provide a crispy alternative to regular fries without the hassle of deep frying.
Pair them with an herb dip made from yogurt mixed with chopped herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor.
Cheesy comfort
Cheesy polenta casserole
For a cozy and indulgent meal, layer slices of cooked polenta in a baking dish, alternating with generous amounts of mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
Bake this assembly until it turns bubbly and achieves a golden brown hue on the surface.
This cheesy polenta casserole serves as perfect comfort food, ideal for savoring during any season of the year.
Pizza Twist
Polenta pizza base
For a creative spin on classic pizza night, use firm-set, cooled-down slices of prepared plain-cooked polenta as a crust instead of regular dough.
Generously top each slice with your favorite toppings, including marinara sauce and a variety of assorted veggies.
Then, bake till everything is heated through thoroughly.
This way, you get a unique and delightful take on the beloved pizza experience!