Creamy Herb Polenta

Polenta is one of those timeless comfort foods that has graced tables across Italy and beyond for centuries. Made from ground cornmeal, this dish is not only versatile but also incredibly satisfying, serving as a warm canvas for a multitude of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a base for a more elaborate meal, polenta can easily adapt to meet your culinary needs. In this recipe, we delve into the delightful world of Creamy Herb Polenta with a Twist, where the creamy texture is enhanced by a fragrant mix of fresh herbs. This dish is not only comforting but also a fantastic way to elevate your dining experience throughout the year.

Discover the comforting and versatile world of Creamy Herb Polenta with a Twist, a delightful dish that's perfect year-round. This recipe combines rich cornmeal with fresh herbs for a creamy texture that's both flavorful and nutritious. Easy to customize, you can make it vegan or gluten-free to suit various dietary needs. Serve it as a side or as a hearty base for a vegetarian bowl, and elevate your dining experience with this delicious, wholesome dish.

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Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal (polenta)

4 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for a vegan option)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Boil the Broth: In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the salt and black pepper.

Whisk in Cornmeal: Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, making sure to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Cream and Cheese: Once the polenta has thickened, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Incorporate Herbs and Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the butter, thyme, oregano, fresh parsley, basil, and lemon zest until everything is well combined and creamy.

Taste and Adjust: Taste the polenta and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. For extra creaminess, you can incorporate more cream or butter.

Serve Warm: Spoon the creamy herb polenta into bowls and top with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy it as a side dish or a comforting main course!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings