Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh marjoram
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh tarragon
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh fennel fronds
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh chervil
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Serving dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
3. Slowly pour 1 cup of polenta into the boiling water, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk the polenta for 20-25 minutes, or until it is thick and creamy.
5. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the polenta, stirring until the cheese is melted and the cream is fully incorporated.
6. Add all of the chopped fresh herbs to the polenta, stirring until they are evenly distributed.
7. Pour the polenta into a serving dish and smooth the top with a spoon.
8. Allow the polenta to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 800mg
Sugar: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk.
- Instead of fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs. Use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked sausage, bacon, or chicken to the polenta for a heartier dish.
- Top the polenta with sautéed mushrooms, onions, or peppers.
- Use the polenta as a base for a tomato sauce or meat sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Whisk the polenta constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the polenta, as it will not scratch the pot.
- Let the polenta cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the polenta, add a splash of milk or cream and heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the polenta in a shallow bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish the polenta with fresh herbs or grated cheese.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs
- Grated cheese
Pairings:
- Serve the polenta with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
- Pair the polenta with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Suggested side dishes:
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled meats
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the polenta is too thick, add more water or milk to thin it out.
- If the polenta is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the polenta to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Cheesy
- Herbaceous
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the polenta as a main course or as a side dish.
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Region: Italian