Creamy Cheesy Polenta - Easy Gluten Free Recipe | WhitneyBond.com (2024)

FAQs

What is a gluten-free substitute for polenta? ›

Mashed cauliflower can be a creative gluten-free alternative to polenta. While it won't have the same texture, it offers a low-carb option for those following a gluten-free or keto diet.

Basic polenta is made with water and cornmeal. Since these ingredients are naturally gluten-free, a basic polenta should also be gluten-free as well. Typically, water is brought a boil, cornmeal is added, and then the mixture is stirred and simmered until the desired consistency is reached.

Sure, you can load it with milk (and then, often, finish it with butter and tons of cheese). It will taste good, but it'll also leave you feeling pretty gross afterward. More often than not, I opt for water instead, which, when the polenta is cooked right, still leads to incredibly creamy (but less heavy) results.

Cook the Polenta Longer

I always thought my polenta looked done after 15 or 20 minutes of cooking, but just because it's thickened doesn't mean the cornmeal has cooked through. Keep on cooking until it tastes creamy, corny, and a little bit sweet. That extra time makes all the difference.

It's gluten-free. Polenta is made from corn, making it a gluten-free ingredient that offers all the nurturing, heartiness, and satiety of comfort food dishes that often contain gluten, such as pasta or bread.

Polenta is ground cornmeal — you could also use panko crumbs (Japanese bread crumbs) or normal breadcrumbs instead — both give a crispy coating.

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

In his own practice, Dr. Davis said he has seen people drop an average of about 15 to 20 pounds in a month when they simply eliminate wheat.

Polenta is a healthful alternative to other side dishes, such as potatoes, pasta, and rice. Because it does not have a strong flavor, it can accompany a variety of foods. To get the most nutritious polenta, a person should consider buying cornmeal that is stone ground.

Polenta Serving Suggestions

On occasion, I'll add roasted chickpeas or toasted pine nuts for crunch. Otherwise, I'll top it with a cooked veggie and a punchy sauce to make it a meal on its own: Cooked veggies are the perfect way to add hearty texture, richness, and flavor to creamy polenta.

How to keep polenta creamy? ›

Slowly pour the cornmeal into the pot, maintaining a boil and continuing to stir. This is basically prevents lumps and clumping. Once all the cornmeal has been added, reduce the heat to a low simmer and stir frequently until polenta gets creamy.

In Italy, polenta is often eaten family-style from a large platter or wooden board, allowing guests to serve themselves at the table. 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.

Since polenta and grits are both made from ground corn, you can use them interchangeably. Bear in mind that grits are higher in starch than polenta, so if you sub in polenta for grits, you won't have to stir it as frequently, but it won't cook up as creamy as grits.

In a large, deep saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. While whisking constantly, add polenta in a slow, steady stream. Reduce heat to medium, cook until thickened, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in cheese, heavy cream, and butter.

Exploring Alternatives to Polenta

One popular substitute is cauliflower rice, which can be cooked and seasoned to mimic the texture and flavor of polenta. Another option is mashed sweet potatoes, which offer a slightly sweeter taste and a creamy consistency similar to polenta.

Organic Polenta 1kg

Organic produce. Guaranteed gluten-free. Yellow, medium-ground cornmeal (polenta). Becomes creamy and smooth when boiled and cooked down.

What cornmeal is gluten-free? Any cornmeal that is produced in a plant that has no contact with wheat should be.

Enjoy as a morning bowl of porridge with milk and a drizzle of honey or follow the recipe on the bag to try your hand at Italian polenta. The possibilities are endless, delicious and suitable for vegan and gluten free diets, too.