Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Polenta, from the land of polenta

I can't believe I have not shared on here about polenta...until today.

The city where I was born 
(and where I grew up), 
is the land of polenta. 
In fact, back in the days (Medieval time), 
that's what the majority of the people, the poor ones, ate.
Polenta is made with 

corn flour, almost like a yellow corn grits, but the flour has a very fine grind.
Polenta can be used in many recipes. 
Last night I made a big pot of polenta.
Cook the polenta flour according to package cooking instruction
(basically add polenta corn flour to boiling water and keep stirring until thick. 

Mine took 3 minutes).
We ate some with pasta sauce over it and parmesan cheese.

The polenta replaces the pasta (carbs).
Then I made what I call a polenta lasagna for later (aka todays' lunch) where you layer polenta, sauce, and cheese.
Bake at 350 until mozzarella cheese melts.

For more ideas,
you could add cooked beans and cooked sausage to it.
Let it cool in a pyrex dish, and then when cold(er) slice it.

Polenta can also be a dessert.
Cook the polenta, let it cool in a pyrex pan, and when completely cold, slice it, fry it, and cover it with powder sugar.
Yum.

Buon Appetito

Stay Frugal,
Daniela

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14 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I have never had polenta, sound good. I need to give it a try. Hugs, Marty

P.S. This would be perfect to link up to Inspire Me that is still open. Hugs, Marty

Amy of While Wearing Heels said...

Just like Marty, I've never had polenta either but it looks delicious and versatile. I might have to give it a go!

Marissa said...

Wow que guapa!!!
I need to give it a try.. looks and sounds delicious... keep cooking girly!!! :)

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Daniela,
Don't you use the Semolina instead?
Oh, those fried ones with strawberries for breakfast or brunch are so heavenly! I make them with Semolina, boiled in whipped cream... Not healthy anymore for high cholesterol.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

Libby said...

Both of those dishes look and sound yummy. I have had polenta a few times and of those few times, it was always delicious.

Unknown said...

Looks delicious- and love hearing the history of foods - it's so fascinating that a lot of the foods that the poorest ate - are some of my favorite recipes today!
XOX

Mindi@MyLove2Create said...

I agree with Suzan, fascinating! So I have a question. I grind my own corn kernels in to a very fine powder, and I use it for making corn bread. Could I use that same corn flour for making polenta? I would assume so, it looks the same, I just like to make sure...Thanks!

NanaDiana said...

I have never tried polenta but it sure sounds good!

sweet violets said...

You just brought back fond memories!!! I love polenta, my mom made it and would pour it out on a large bread/macaroni board in the middle of the kitchen table.....then pour over the top with sauce made with pepperoni or sausage then grated cheese........we would scoop a portion on our plates and it was heaven!!!!

Unknown said...

Dani this looks amazing, I have always wanted to try Polenta, your photos are mouth watering :)

xo, Tanya

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Looks good - I'd give it a try!

Revi said...

I just bought a bag of polenta at the Natural Grocers last week, and have not cooked it yet. Your recipes look simple, so I'll try them. Your carbonara recipe has become a fave!

Leslie @ Lamberts Lately said...

Yum...I adore polenta! This looks wonderful! This would be perfect to link up to my Create It Thursday post...it's live now! http://www.lambertslately.com/2013/06/create-it-thursday-8-plus-features.html

Liz @ Quirky Vistas said...

I don't know if I've ever had polenta. I'll surely consider it now!
Liz