10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (2024)

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (1)

For those times when you need a comforting and delicious meal, I’ll show you how to use polenta to cook a delicious dinner! Here are 10 recipes with polenta that you are going to love! >>>

We’ve all been through this – it’s late, you feel hungry for dinner, yet have no intention of spending too much money or effort on a meal. This is where polenta comes to the rescue! This time-honored meal has been served on the plates of Eastern European farmers for centuries, as it is basically just boiled cornmeal. Now, you can make it yourself at home and serve it simple or with added ingredients.

Polenta can also be served as a hot, comforting porridge, or it can be left to harden, after which it can be fried, grilled and cooked in a variety of different ways. The point is, you can easily make a comforting meal out of your polenta.

I’ve made a list of 10 recipes with polenta that are vegan and that you can try out at home, made by some of my favorite food bloggers, but you can also find one of my own recipes! All of the recipes in the list below are vegan, delicious and super easy to make! Make sure to try them out and tell me which one you liked the most!

Recipes With Polenta

Creamy Polenta with Balsamic Roasted Vegetables & Garlic Chickpeas

This is a good dinner idea if you want to add some protein to your polenta. The creamy cornmeal goes amazing with some roasted vegetables of your choice. The chickpeas add some crunchiness to this otherwise soft dish. Don’t forget the balsamic vinegar! Oh, and if you have some leftovers, this could also be on your list of polenta recipes for breakfast!

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (2)

Creamy Polenta with tofu

Are you searching for some polenta recipes for dinner? This comforting polenta recipe has an extra twist. The creamy polenta is made with coconut milk and will compliment my special tofu-pepper sautee that I like to add. You’ll see for yourself how much flavor a few simple ingredients can add to your cornmeal mush. Enjoy your creamy polenta by itself or as a side dish!

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (3)

Polenta Cakes with Chili-Garlic Sauce

Here’s one of my favorite homemade polenta recipes of all times! This recipe gives an idea about how to make hardened polenta delicious. Simply add these extra ingredients in the mix while you stir the cornmeal, and you’ll end up with a totally different dish. Serve with chili-garlic sauce, store bought or homemade.

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (4)

Polenta Lasagna with Portabellas and Kale

This recipe is what people mean when they say ”the best of two worlds”. You probably never wondered how polenta and lasagna could mix, but the truth is you can pretty much add polenta to any recipe that involves pasta dough or other grains. This recipe is more complex and requires some time to make. The taste is totally worth it for sure!

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (5)

Vegan Creamy Polenta and Red Wine Mushrooms

Now we’re talking comfort! We all know that polenta recipes with mushrooms are the best, right? You should treat yourself with a red wine-infused dish every once in a while, and this vegan polenta with mushrooms is the perfect way to do it! This is also a great meal to have on your table during a celebration and I assure you that you won’t get enough from this amazing creamy delight!

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (6)

Polenta Veggie Burgers with Pesto & Veggies

Polenta burgers might seem a bit unorthodox, to say the least. You’ve heard of other things that replace the meat in a veggie burger, but polenta probably wasn’t on your immediate line of thought. Let me assure you that these burgers aren’t to be messed with! The pesto sauce does most of the work, but the veggies and polenta offer an amazingly soft texture that your friends will want to try! It’s simply genius!

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (7)

Vegan Polenta Pizza Bites

If you have any leftover polenta, here’s a cute idea of what to make for a snack. Shape it in little circles and try making these delicious pizza bites. You can use whatever topping you desire, and they’ll make for a nutritious and delicious snack at work or at home! Your kids are also going to love these!

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (8)

Vegan Polenta Wedges with Sriracha

Of course you can make wedges with polenta! This is a cool idea if you’re vegan and are sick of having potatoes as your side dish all the time. This is a quick recipe that will boost any meal you serve it along. Top them with Sriracha, because as we all know Sriracha is the best and it goes on anything, period.

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (9)

Vegan Buffalo Polenta Fries

Since I’m making a list of the best polenta recipes ever, here’s another idea for spicy polenta fries, only this time you’ll be using Franks Red Hot Sauce. You’re in for a tasty treat with these fries, not to mention that your spending will be minimal.

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (10)

Three Bean Chili Polenta Pot Pie

We’re back to more traditional cornmeal recipes. This one is also spicy, which makes it perfect for all the spicy lovers out there, including myself! It’s one of the most delicious meatless pot pie recipes I’ve personally tasted. It’s extremely filling and you will definitely come back for more! Make this one for a hearty weekend lunch at home and you won’t regret it!

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (11)

10 Recipes with Polenta That Are Comforting and Delicious - Gourmandelle (2024)

FAQs

What does polenta go good with? ›

“Polenta is the perfect accompaniment to a flavourful, hearty ragu, grilled meats or sausages,” says the Florence-based food writer Emiko Davies. “I also love it with a stew of vongole [or pipis], with tomatoes and chilli.”

How do you spice up polenta? ›

To spice things up for the adults at home, it can be fun to finish the polenta with a sprinkle of blue cheese, spiced pine nuts, or pepitas (for texture), and a drizzle of pesto, gremolata or other green herb sauces.

What protein goes well with polenta? ›

You can serve this basic side dish on its own or alongside protein such as Pressure-Cooker Short Ribs, pan-seared chicken, or seafood. Here, we're sharing our favorite ways to serve polenta for dinner as well as a few creative variations on this satisfying staple.

Can polenta be served cold? ›

Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal. It can be served hot as a comforting porridge-like dish or chilled and sliced for grilling or frying.

What do Italians do with polenta? ›

A Northern Italian staple, this humble Italian peasant food has emerged as a versatile fine-dining-style comfort food. Polenta can be made into layered terrines (in its solid form) or easy creamy porridges with Parmigiano-Reggiano and butter.

Is polenta an inflammatory food? ›

Surprisingly, polenta (which is none other than yellow cornmeal) is a powerful source of antioxidants like phenolic compounds, which can help reduce inflammation.

How do you doctor up polenta? ›

Cooked veggies are the perfect way to add hearty texture, richness, and flavor to creamy polenta. Try pairing it with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, butternut squash, or cauliflower, with grilled mixed vegetables or zucchini, or with sautéed mushrooms.

How do you make polenta more tasty? ›

Cooking it in milk will produce a rich and creamy polenta that's delicious and indulgent, but also heavy; stock (vegetable or chicken) will infuse the polenta with more flavor, but that flavor can also cover up the taste of the cornmeal.

Is polenta good for the bowels? ›

Polenta contains both protein and fiber to help a person feel full. Fiber is also recommended to keep the digestive system functioning properly, to feed healthy gut bacteria, and to prevent constipation.

Is polenta healthy or fattening? ›

Basic polenta is generally quite healthy since it's made with water and some salt. Some recipes call for milk or cream instead of water, which will increase the calorie count. If you use store-bought stock, this may increase the amount of sodium in your polenta.

What meats go best with polenta? ›

Tomato-based sauces: Serve fried polenta with a rich tomato sauce, such as marinara or arrabbiata, for a classic combination. 2. Braised meats: Top fried polenta with braised meats like short ribs, beef stew, or lamb shanks. The creamy polenta complements the tender and flavorful meat.

Do you refrigerate polenta? ›

In general, cooked polenta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days. However, it's essential to use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, changes in color, or the presence of mold.

How do you make Jamie Oliver polenta? ›

Pour the milk into a large, heavy pan along with 800ml of water and 1 teaspoon of sea salt and bring it to the boil. Pour in the polenta in a thin stream, whisking all the time so it thickens as you go. Keep whisking for 2 to 3 minutes over a high heat.

Are grits and polenta the same? ›

Yes, both grits and polenta are made from ground corn, but the main difference here is what type of corn. Polenta, as you can probably guess from the color, is made from yellow corn, while grits are normally made from white corn (or hominy).

How is polenta traditionally eaten? ›

Polenta, slow simmered ground corn, is eaten in many ways, as a main or side dish. It can be served simply, with just butter and cheese, or topped with sauce. It is often spread out to dry a bit and then baked, fried or grilled.

Is polenta easy on the stomach? ›

Polenta is high in fiber and low in calories. Due to its neutral taste, it can be combined with various foods and served as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is filling and easily digestible.

Which is better for you polenta or pasta? ›

Polenta is often used to substitute grains like pasta and rice, as it's lower in calories and is a source of complex carbohydrates. Because complex carbohydrates aren't broken down as quickly as simple carbohydrates, it's ideal for individuals watching their blood sugar levels.

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