Creamy Herb-Infused Polenta
Elevate your meals with this creamy herb-infused polenta that combines the rich flavors of fresh herbs with the comforting texture of cornmeal. This versatile dish can be served as a base for meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a standalone delight. With a hint of cayenne pepper for warmth, every bite will be a celebration of flavors. Ideal for gatherings or a comforting family dinner, this recipe showcases the essence of European cuisine. Perfectly creamy and bursting with fresh herbs, it's a dish you'll want to share and enjoy.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Assorted fresh herb leaves
1 cup (mixed (such as mint, tarragon, parsley, and basil))
Corn oil
1/4 cup (for herb puree)
Corn oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Water
3 1/4 cups (for cooking)
Yellow cornmeal
1 cup (for the polenta)
Whipping cream
1/3 cup (for creaminess)
Cayenne pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a small pot of water to a boil.
2
Add the assorted fresh herb leaves to the boiling water and blanch them for about 5 seconds.
3
Quickly drain the herbs and refresh them under cold running water to stop the cooking process, then drain again.
4
In a blender, combine the blanched herbs with 1/4 cup of corn oil and blend until smooth. Transfer the pureed herb mix to a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator. (This step can be made a day ahead for convenience.)
5
In a heavy medium saucepan, bring 3 1/4 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.
6
Once boiling, gradually whisk in the 1 cup of yellow cornmeal to avoid lumps. Continue stirring often until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
7
Remove from heat and stir in the 1/3 cup of whipping cream and 1/4 cup of the prepared herb puree. Mix well.
8
Season your creamy polenta with salt and cayenne pepper according to your taste.
9
Serve warm as a delightful base for meats, roasted vegetables, or enjoy it on its own.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Herb-Infused Polenta?
It is a rich and comforting European dish that combines yellow cornmeal with a fresh herb puree and whipping cream for a luxurious texture.
What kind of herbs are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests an assortment of fresh leaves such as mint, tarragon, parsley, and basil.
Is this polenta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
How do I prepare the herb puree?
Blanch the herbs in boiling water for 5 seconds, shock them in cold water, then blend with 1/4 cup of corn oil until smooth.
Can I make the herb puree in advance?
Yes, the pureed herb mix can be made one day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
What type of cornmeal should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for yellow cornmeal.
How much water is needed to cook the polenta?
You will need 3 1/4 cups of water for the cooking process.
How do I prevent lumps when adding cornmeal?
Gradually whisk the cornmeal into the boiling water while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
How long does it take for the polenta to thicken?
The mixture typically takes about 5 minutes to thicken over medium heat.
What gives the polenta its creamy texture?
The creaminess comes from the addition of 1/3 cup of whipping cream and the prepared herb-infused oil.
Is there any spice in this dish?
Yes, a hint of cayenne pepper is added to provide warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What can I serve with Creamy Herb-Infused Polenta?
It serves as an excellent base for various meats, roasted vegetables, or can be enjoyed as a standalone dish.
What is the purpose of blanching the herbs?
Blanching the herbs briefly helps preserve their bright green color and softens them for easier blending.
What is the origin of this dish?
This recipe is categorized as European cuisine.
What size saucepan should I use?
A heavy medium saucepan is recommended for cooking the polenta evenly.
Can I use corn oil for cooking as well as the puree?
Yes, the recipe uses corn oil for both creating the herb puree and for cooking.
How should I season the polenta?
Season the dish with salt and cayenne pepper according to your personal taste preferences.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Absolutely, its comforting nature and elegant herb infusion make it ideal for family dinners or social gatherings.
What is the total count of ingredients?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients including herbs, oils, cornmeal, and seasonings.
Should the polenta be served hot?
Yes, for the best texture and flavor, serve the polenta while it is still warm.
Can I substitute the whipping cream?
While the recipe calls for whipping cream for maximum richness, you could experiment with other dairy options, though the texture may vary.
How do I refresh the herbs after blanching?
Immediately drain the herbs and place them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include polenta, herb-infused, european, vegetarian, comfort food, side dish, and creamy dish.
How much herb puree do I add to the polenta?
You should stir in 1/4 cup of the prepared herb puree into the cooked cornmeal.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The recipe provides the number of servings (4) but does not specify an exact serving weight.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
The cayenne is added to taste, so you can adjust or omit it if you prefer a dish with no heat.
What tool do I need for the herb mixture?
A blender is necessary to combine the blanched herbs and corn oil into a smooth puree.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh herb leaves to create the vibrant green puree and fresh flavor profile.
What is the main carbohydrate source?
Yellow cornmeal serves as the primary carbohydrate and base of this dish.