What can I use instead of polenta in a recipe?

Table of Contents:

1. What can I use instead of polenta in a recipe?
2. What is polenta served with?
3. How can I make polenta taste better?
4. Why is my polenta cake crunchy?
5. Is polenta supposed to be gritty?
6. Can you add too much water to polenta?
7. What happens if my polenta starts to firm up while I'm cooking?

What can I use instead of polenta in a recipe?

Grits, mashed potatoes, or semolina flour are some of the best substitutes for polenta. They can be used as a substitute for a side dish or a main dish.

What is polenta served with?

Serve polenta in place of potatoes or rice with lunch or dinner. Top polenta with favorite baked-potato toppings. ... If you like mushrooms but want a little meat, try Polenta with Chicken Sausage and Mushrooms. Use polenta as a “pizza” crust with favorite pizza toppings.

How can I make polenta taste better?

Polenta is usually made with water or milk, which results in a more neutral flavor. Next time you make it, try using a liquid with a little more personality: stock, either vegetable or otherwise, and coconut milk will both add depth to the final dish.

Why is my polenta cake crunchy?

If the cake was removed too early from the oven, the polenta might not have softened enough giving the cake a really gritty texture.

Is polenta supposed to be gritty?

It'll give you that al dente texture characteristic of down-home Italian polenta. American cornmeal and grits are made from dent corn, a variety that is softer and loses its shape, becoming much creamier when cooked. ... If your polenta is too gritty and forces you to chew on pebbly grains, add water and keep it going.

Can you add too much water to polenta?

The polenta doesn't get watery because of too much liquid added at the end of cooking to thin it out before serving. If you're used to stirring, this method will require a leap of faith, but trust me. The cornmeal and water may actually separate in the oven and not come together for more than half the cooking time.

What happens if my polenta starts to firm up while I'm cooking?

What happens if my polenta starts to firm up while I'm cooking? You may have noticed that if you forget about your polenta for even a few minutes it can become lumpy as it cools. If this happens, return your pot of polenta to the stove over low heat and whisk in a little water, milk, cream or stock to loosen it up.