Creamy Polenta Recipe - Happy Foods Tube (2024)

FAQs

How do I use polenta in a tube? ›

Tubed polenta is fully cooked and just needs to be sliced and reheated. Use instead of noodles for a gluten free lasagna, crisp up as fries, or warm on a grill and serve with macerated berries for a sensational grown-up dessert.

It also can be reconstituted to its soft (porridge-like) form by heating it with a bit of liquid, such as milk or broth. So now that you know how to have good polenta in minutes, what should you do with it?

Regular cornmeal can be used as a substitute, but will need to be cooked about half as long. Pre-cooked polenta is also available in plastic tubes. It can be sliced into rounds and then used as you would firmed-up polenta made from scratch. Ready-made polenta lacks fresh corn flavor and tends to be rubbery.

Pour the cornmeal into the water gradually – NOT all at once – and whisk constantly as you do it. The constant whisking will evenly disperse the cornmeal grounds in the water, so they won't have a chance to clump together. It'll thicken as it sits.

Once made, polenta can be placed into a pan or dish and then chilled. This chilled polenta becomes solid and is perfect for slicing. This is what the grocery stores sell in “Polenta Tubes”. Yes, you can buy the tubes, but making it at home is so much less expensive.

Tubed polenta can be found in the refrigerated produce section (maybe near the tofu) or near the pasta in the dried food section. Boxed, dry, instant polenta can be found near boxed rice or in the ethnic foods section. Polenta can also be found In the organic aisle or natural food section.

Polenta is a healthful food choice with several nutritional benefits. Polenta may be good for health as it contains fiber and protein. It is also rich in complex carbohydrates, low in fat, and more. Polenta is cooked cornmeal that can be eaten as a side or used in a variety of recipes, from bread to desserts.

Precooked polenta that is not opened does not need to be refrigerated. Cooked polenta should be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for 2 to 3 days.

**Liquid Ratio:** The ratio of liquid (water or stock) to cornmeal is crucial. Using too little liquid can result in a thicker, drier polenta. Adding more liquid and stirring regularly can help achieve a creamier consistency.

Polenta is available in various grades, ranging from coarse to fine. Different types have different cooking times, some up to 45 mins, but you can also buy part-cooked instant polenta, which is ready in 5-8 mins.

Can I use cornmeal instead of polenta? ›

Packages labeled polenta mean that the grind of the corn is appropriate to make the polenta dish, but you can substitute regular medium or coarsely-ground cornmeal instead. Don't use finely ground cornmeal or corn flour which have too fine of a consistency and will give the finished dish a pasty texture.

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.

If polenta becomes too firm or begins to set, add a small amount of water, stock, or milk and beat in with a whisk until liquid is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.

The Mix-Ins. In my opinion, the only things that should be added besides seasoning and milk are butter and Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. Personally, I think Pecorino Romano is the better choice here. It has more of a sharp funk than Parmesan, plus a much creamier texture that melts more readily into warm polenta.

In Italy, you'll find polenta made from yellow cornmeal or white cornmeal, though yellow is more common. The best polenta is made from stone ground corn, which comes in a coarse, medium, or fine grind. Cornmeal labeled polenta is usually a coarse-grind, but you can make the dish with a medium or fine-grind.

Slice, Heat, Top, and Eat

The truth of the matter is that precooked polenta can be sliced up, heated, and topped with your favorite fixings for an easy meal. Suggestions include: Mexican: Black beans, salsa, sour cream, cilantro. Italian: Sauteed mushrooms, marinara sauce, basil, Parmesan cheese.

Polenta pairs extremely well with stews, braised meats, saucy bean dishes, and roasted vegetables. It's the perfect cozy companion to all of your warm winter meals. Try it with our Chicken Cacciatore, or Slow Cooker Beef Stew!