Cheesy Polenta

Polenta is cornmeal plain and simple

It is also an extremely versatile side dish as you can use it with Italian food, braised meats, seafood and believe it or not, for breakfast!  It’s great with a fried egg

This polenta gets it’s cheesy name from….you guessed it, cheese

Let’s start with 5 cups of water

Bring your water to a rapid boil in a medium sauce pan

Once boiling, add a teaspoon of kosher salt to the water

Whisk in 1 cup of course cornmeal, return to a boil and then place on low heat and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the polenta pulls away from the side of the pot

Remove from heat

                      

I’m adding in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of butter to make it more creamy

Add in your cheddar and Parmesan cheese

                       

Next add in your butter and whisk all together to combine

How simple was that to make a cheesy delicious side dish

You can add fresh herbs, different cheeses, hot sauce, the list goes on and on

We like to serve Cheesy Polenta with our Braised Beef Short Ribs

And while I’m here, let me show you another great trick

Remember I said you can use them for breakfast?  Take your left over polenta and spoon into some plastic wrap, roll into a log shape and chill overnight

Cut 1/2 inch thick slices out of the log

Fry them until crisp and serve with a delicious fried egg!

           

Enjoy!!!