Chef John's Triple-Corn Polenta
Chef John's Triple-Corn Polenta balances creamy richness with bursts of sweet, fresh kernels and a hint of warmth from cayenne and garlic. Lightly browned corn deepens the flavor while the polenta cooks to a smooth, spoonable texture, making it a comforting side for grilled meats, braises, or late-summer dinners.
- Prep10 mins
- Cook40 mins
- Serves4
- DifficultyEasy
- 1
Melt 1 teaspoon butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- 2
Cook and stir 2/3 of the corn with a pinch of salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper in the hot butter and oil until the corn is fragrant and golden, about 10 minutes.
- 3
Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 4
Pour 2 cups water into the corn mixture; bring to a simmer and whisk the polenta into the mixture.
- 5
Bring back to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and the polenta absorbs the water, 20 minutes.
- 6
Add the remaining 1/2 cup water and stir; cook until the water is completely absorbed, about 10 minutes more.
- 7
Stir the remaining corn and 1 teaspoon butter into the polenta mixture.
- 8
Remove from heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Calories 116.98 kcal Moderate
- Protein 1.8 g Low Source
- Carbs 18.6 g Moderate
- Total Fat 3.77 g Low Source
- Saturated Fat 1.49 g Moderate
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
- Cholesterol 5.25 mg Low Source
- Sodium 111.45 mg Low Source
- Fiber 4.1 g Moderate
- Sugar 6.54 g Moderate
- Added Sugar 6.27 g Moderate
- Calcium 107.91 mg Low Source
- Iron 0.11 mg Low Source
- Potassium 4.89 mg Low Source
- Vitamin A 19.17 mcg_rae Low Source
- Vitamin C 14.43 mg Moderate
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Corn 🌽
- Garlic 🧄