Creamy Italian Polenta with Sausage and Cabbage
This creamy Italian polenta dish creates a delicious base for your favorite savory sauces. It pairs beautifully with Tish's Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore, letting the rich flavors meld into the comforting texture of the polenta. Made from cornmeal, this hearty dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile—perfect for serving topped with hot Italian sausage and tender cabbage. Embrace the Italian tradition of blending textures and flavors in every bite. Ideal for family dinners or a cozy gathering, this dish offers a unique take on classic Italian comfort food. Serve it warm and watch as everyone goes back for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (heat until boiling)
water
1 3/4 cups (heat until boiling)
good cornmeal
1 1/4 cups (gradually whisk into boiling liquids)
Italian cheese (6-blend)
1/2 cup (shredded or grated)
hot Italian sausage
1 lb (cooked and chopped)
cabbage
1 small head (chopped)
Hunt's tomato sauce (lasagna style)
15 oz (add to skillet)
pasta sauce
14 oz (add to skillet)
Instructions
1
In a 3-quart saucepan, combine chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, gradually whisk in the cornmeal, adding it 1/4 cup at a time to prevent lumps from forming.
3
Reduce the heat to low after the mixture returns to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
4
After 20 minutes, stir in the Italian cheese until melted and evenly incorporated.
5
Grease a large plate or baking dish and carefully pour the polenta onto it. Allow it to cool and harden for about 10 minutes.
6
Once set, slice the polenta into squares or wedges.
7
In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the hot Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
8
In the same pan, add the chopped cabbage and sauté until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
9
Stir in the Hunt’s tomato sauce and the jar of your favorite pasta sauce. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
10
Serve the sausage and cabbage mixture over the slices of creamy polenta.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of this dish?
The main base of this dish is creamy Italian polenta made from cornmeal.
How much chicken broth is required for the polenta?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth.
How much water is added to the polenta mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of water.
What is the recommended amount of cornmeal?
You should use 1 1/4 cups of good cornmeal.
How do you prevent lumps from forming in the polenta?
Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, adding it 1/4 cup at a time to boiling liquid.
How long should the polenta cook after it returns to a simmer?
Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes while stirring frequently.
What kind of cheese is added to the polenta?
1/2 cup of Italian cheese (6-blend), shredded or grated, is added to the mixture.
What should you do after the cheese is melted into the polenta?
Pour the polenta onto a greased large plate or baking dish to cool.
How long does the polenta need to harden?
Allow the polenta to cool and harden for about 10 minutes.
Into what shapes should the polenta be sliced?
Once set, slice the polenta into squares or wedges.
How much sausage is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of hot Italian sausage.
How should the sausage be prepared?
The sausage should be browned in a skillet until cooked through and then chopped.
What type of cabbage is used?
Use 1 small head of cabbage, chopped.
How long should you sauté the cabbage?
Sauté the cabbage for about 5-6 minutes until tender.
Which brand of tomato sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests Hunt's tomato sauce, specifically the lasagna style.
What size of tomato sauce can is needed?
A 15 oz can of Hunt's tomato sauce is required.
How much pasta sauce should be added?
Add one 14 oz jar of your favorite pasta sauce.
How long should the sausage and cabbage mixture simmer?
Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
How is the final dish assembled?
Serve the sausage and cabbage mixture over the slices of creamy polenta.
What other dish does this polenta pair well with?
It pairs beautifully with Tish's Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 8 primary ingredients in this recipe.
What type of saucepan is recommended for the polenta?
A 3-quart saucepan is recommended for combining broth and water.
What heat setting is used to brown the sausage?
Heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal and a hearty family meal.
What cultural tradition does this dish embrace?
It embraces the Italian tradition of blending textures and flavors.
Can I serve this dish cold?
The recipe recommends serving it warm.
What is the texture of the polenta?
The polenta has a creamy and comforting texture once prepared.
What should you grease the plate or baking dish with?
While not specified, a light coating of butter or cooking spray is standard for greasing.
Why is it important to stir the polenta frequently?
Stirring frequently ensures even cooking and prevents the bottom from burning.
What is the primary flavor profile of the topping?
The topping is savory and hearty, featuring hot Italian sausage and a tomato-based sauce.