Garlic Italian Polenta…. I’m sensing a theme this week…. The other day I posted a recipe for Garlic Sauteed Cauliflower and now polenta. We do eat a lot of garlic here and I can almost guarantee our home is vampire free. Hubby says he’s never had polenta but I know I have made it once before. Either way, this time I added garlic (yay) and Italian Seasoning to give it some great flavor.
What is polenta you ask? If you’ve never had it, the best description is corn meal and water, chilled into shape. I’ve also heard it called “Italian Grits.” You can purchase it at the grocery store in the deli area pre-made and sometimes it comes in specialty flavors such as sun dried tomato. My favorite store bought brand is from San Gennaro. They are all polenta and grits and I find their products excellent for a super quick polenta. Just slice, heat and serve.
My recipe starts with cornmeal and water, simmered on the stove until thickened. Then it’s chilled then cut into squares and grilled.
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Garlic Italian Polenta
Serves | 6 |
Prep time | 20 minutes |
Cook time | 15 minutes |
Total time | 35 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Meal type | Side Dish |
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 1 cup corn meal
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 heaped tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Note
Add jalapeño for some heat
Directions
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This was wonderful. The garlic and italian seasoning gave this polenta so much flavor. I topped it with a bit of feta and some slivered fresh basil and it was wonderful with the evening’s chicken dish. It’s lovely yellow color also is appealing since we eat with our eyes first. Plus, what’s really nice is that you can change the seasonings to fit the meal you are making. If I were going for more of a Mexican flair, I would add chopped jalapeños and maybe some cumin. If I were serving this with a burger, I would use some steak seasoning and maybe drizzle some A-1 steak sauce on top. The possibilities are endless.
My garlic italian polenta was very simple to make. Yes, you need to allow time for the polenta to set before you can grill it otherwise you’re in for quite a mess. But, polenta’s ease of preparation and versatility make this a great side dish.
If you are looking for that perfect side dish, check out the selections on my Veggies and Sides board on Pinterest.
Follow Lori’s Culinary’s board Veggies & Sides on Pinterest.
I’ve had polenta one time and I liked it, but didn’t love it. I thought it needed more flavor. I bet this is really good. I will have to try it out.
kathleen @ Fearlessly Creative Mammas recently posted…A healthy breakfast
I love polenta and it’s been so long since I’ve made it. This recipe looks nice and simple – a great compliment to any meal. Thanks for sharing!
Jen recently posted…Five Things You Don’t Know About Me
I have never had Polenta, but have always wanted to try it!
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