Ah, grilled polenta! There’s something so wonderfully comforting about this dish. I remember the first time I tried polenta; it was at a cozy little Italian restaurant in my neighborhood that my friends and I often visited. The chef served it beautifully crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I was instantly hooked! Now, I love to recreate that memory in my own kitchen, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than grilled. The smoky flavor combined with the cheesy goodness? Pure bliss!
What I adore about grilled polenta is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish, topped with various sauces, or even as a base for a lovely sautéed vegetable medley or grilled meats. It’s like a blank canvas just waiting for your culinary creativity! So, let’s dive right into this delightful recipe.
What’s in Grilled Polenta?
Cornmeal (Polenta): This is the star of the show! Polenta is made from ground corn and serves as a wonderful gluten-free alternative that’s rich in flavor and texture.
Water: Simple yet essential, water is needed to cook the cornmeal to create that creamy, delicious base we crave.
Salt: Just a teaspoon is enough to enhance all the flavors!
Olive Oil: A little drizzle mixed in while cooking and brushed on the grill to ensure our polenta doesn’t stick.
Black Pepper: A dash of this adds a lovely kick that complements the creaminess of the dish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Who doesn’t love cheese? Adding Parmesan makes this dish irresistibly creamy and delicious, plus we have some extra for garnishing!
Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish beautifully and make it look oh-so-fancy!
Is Grilled Polenta Good for You?
Absolutely! Grilled polenta is not just tasty; it’s got several health benefits.
Cornmeal: A great source of complex carbohydrates, cornmeal is low in fat but high in fiber, helping you feel full for longer.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese gives the dish flavor and calcium, which is great for bone health. Just be mindful of sodium if you sprinkle on too much cheese!
While grilled polenta is a fantastic alternative to traditional starches like potatoes or pasta, keep in mind that portion control is key, especially if you’re watching your caloric intake. But hey, moderation is key in all things, right?
Ingredients
– 1 cup cornmeal (polenta)
– 4 cups water
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for grilling)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves: 4*
How to Make Grilled Polenta?
1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
2. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and stir continuously for about 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
3. Stir in the olive oil, black pepper, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and luscious.
4. Pour the polenta into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool until it sets — this takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature, or you can speed it up by refrigerating it.
5. Once set, slice the polenta into your desired shapes—slices, squares, or triangles will do!
6. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking — we don’t want any sad, torn polenta.
7. Grill the polenta pieces for about 5 minutes on each side until you see those beautiful grill marks and the polenta is heated through.
8. Remove from the grill and serve warm, garnished with more grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Voilà!
Elevate Your Grilled Polenta Experience
I’m all about getting creative in the kitchen, so here are some fun variations and serving suggestions! Try topping your grilled polenta with a rich tomato sauce, sautéed mushrooms, or even a rich gorgonzola sauce for a gourmet finishing touch. You can also experiment with different herbs if parsley isn’t your jam—basil or thyme would add a nice flair too!
Grilled polenta truly is an experience! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and embark on your own culinary adventure. Whenever I whip this up, it reminds me of bright summer nights, gathering around the grill with friends, and the laughter that fills the air. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t forget to share your thoughts! Happy cooking!
