Perfect for those mornings when you don't have time to cook a big breakfast. Just a few minutes in the microwave is all you need. You can top the cornmeal with honey or syrup...
Method: microwave
Time: under 30 minutes
Polenta
Made from coarse yellow cornmeal and is similar to grits (Polenta is to northern Italians as grits is to Americans). You can buy it in instant form and even in a prepared roll that you just slice and cook. It can be used a variety of ways from grilled cakes to a light "breading" on fried foods. It can be eaten hot as a porridge-like dish or cooled and cut into squares and fried, grilled or baked. It is popular as a side dish, appetizer or even for breakfast.
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Microwave Cornmeal Mush
Cooked Cornmeal Mush
Cornmeal thickened up like grits can be a delicious and satisfying breakfast with a bit of butter or some jam and walnuts.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Polenta
Cornmeal and butter with a touch of paprika and cayenne churns out a polenta that can be served warm and creamy or cooled in slices and browned.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Polenta Cutouts
These parmesan-laced, golden-brown polenta rounds are perfect for topping with a rich meat sauce for an Italian alternative to pasta.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
If you can boil water, then you can make a fabulous polenta. Simply add cornmeal to your water and stir in your favorite cheese. Makes a great side meal to your meat.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
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Polenta with Mushroom Medley
The pre-made polenta makes this an effortless complement to the rosemary and white wine infused mushroom medley. Great as a side dish or appetizer.
Method: stovetop, oven, outdoor grill
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy Polenta Marinara
Made with Mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, chicken broth, water, cornmeal, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Low Fat Baked Polenta Fries
A delicious and lower fat alternative to French fries. Made with polenta, salt, and ketchup or marinara sauce for dipping.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Polenta With Wild Mushrooms
The polenta is cooked in a flavorful broth, then topped with sauteed mushrooms and onions. Serve this dish as a main course or as a side dish.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Creamy Polenta with Peas
Made with Parmesan cheese, cornmeal, butter, fresh peas, olive oil, salt and pepper, water, whole milk
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Ham And Polenta Casserole
Made with Parmesan cheese, cooked cubed ham, polenta, alfredo sauce, frozen asparagus
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Eggplant Polenta Casserole
Made with soy mozzarella cheese, olive oil, prepared polenta, eggplant, portobello mushrooms, zucchini, yellow summer squash, garlic, white beans, pasta sauce
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Trattoria Marcella's Polenta Fries
Made with Parmesan cheese, vegetable oil, assorted sliced mushrooms, olive oil, Marsala wine, heavy cream, garlic, fresh rosemary, sugar
Method: stovetop, deep fryer
Time: 1-2 hours
Polenta Dolce
Polenta doesn't have to just be a savory side dish. Try this version, topped with sugar, as a sweet treat.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
American Indian Hopi Blue Corn Mush
Made with oil, water, salt, blue cornmeal
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Polenta With Eggplant Ragout
Made with plum tomatoes, cremini mushrooms, lemon juice, tomato paste, fresh basil, parsley, black olives, capers, black pepper
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Savory Polenta or Tex-Mex Tamale Casserole
Made with chili, red onions, olive oil, garlic, chicken broth, black pepper, salt, yellow corn meal, butter, Parmesan cheese
Method: microwave, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Polenta And Black Bean Casserole
Made with Monterey Jack cheese, golden hominy, fresh cilantro, green chilies, salsa verde, garlic, cumin, polenta, whipping cream, black beans
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Polenta Crisps with Anchovy Sauce
Made with water, salt, Italian parsley, polenta, vegetable oil, olive oil, garlic, olive oil-packed anchovies, tomatoes, capers
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Bacon Polenta
Made with polenta, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Broccoli And Garlic With Polenta
Made with vegetable stock, salt, cornmeal, Parmesan cheese, butter, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Grilled Jalapeno Polenta With Roasted Salsa Verde
Made with water, Cheddar or Asiago cheese, jalapeno peppers, garlic, olive oil, salt, fresh tomatillos, onion
Method: stovetop, outdoor grill
Time: 2-5 hours
Healthy Polenta
Made with tomatoes, whole-kernel corn, olive or salad oil, fresh mushrooms, onion, spinach, mozzarella cheese, salt, cornmeal
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Polenta with Scallops and Mushrooms
Made with sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, garlic, olive oil, sea scallops, salt, chicken broth, dried morel mushrooms
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Creamy Polenta With Mascarpone And Truffle Oil
Made with chicken stock, heavy cream, white cornmeal, butter, lemons, mascarpone, tarragon, thyme, Parmesan cheese, salt
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Baked Cornmeal
Made with baking powder, whipping cream, vegetable oil, onion, cornmeal, milk, salt, sugar, eggs
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
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The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.