How to make grilled polenta from scratch | Set polenta | Vegan or vegetarian recipe

If you’re wondering if it’s worth stirring a pot of grain for more than half an hour, my answer is yes 😁 Just follow this method step by step, and you won’t regret it! Making polenta from scratch will take some time, so this is a dish you can make with a few hours in advance, just resume from step 7 once you ready to serve it. Enjoy!

Serves: 2 – 3

Ingredients:

120g coarse polenta (or coarse cornmeal)
750ml water
25g butter or vegetable spread (I’ve used olive oil spread)
25g vegetarian pecorino or Italian hard cheese, finely grated (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Bring water to a boil in a medium non-stick saucepan.

2. Turn the heat to a minimum. While pouring the polenta stir quickly with a wooden spoon so that no lumps appear (if that happens, break them up against the sides of the pan).

3. Continue stirring for 40 minutes over a low heat while the polenta cooks. Note: the polenta should be stirred throughout most of the cooking time (especially during the first 15 minutes) so that it doesn’t stick. If you need to stop sometimes, make sure is no more than half a minute or so each time.

4. Add a little salt and pepper, butter and cheese, if using. Taste, rectify any seasoning and stir for a couple of minutes more until everything has melted and is well combined.

5. With the help of a silicone spatula, quickly transfer the polenta into a baking dish or shallow tray (approx. 28 x 18cm) and spread it into an even, smooth layer (about 2.5cm thick). Note: it is important to work swiftly when pouring the polenta into the dish, as it will set almost immediately, making it more difficult to spread from that point on.

6. Set aside to cool for at least 40 minutes or until completely cooled. Up to this point, the polenta can be made a few hours in advance. Continue to next step when you’re ready to serve it.

7. With a sharp knife cut the polenta into wedges, squares or rectangles.

8. Heat a grilling pan and then spray with a little vegetable oil. Carefully place the polenta pieces onto the pan (work in batches, if necessary) and grill for 4 – 5 minutes on each side or until grill marks start to appear.

9. Polenta is a very versatile dish that you can serve on its own or with almost everything you like! Try it with a simple tomato sauce, topped with toasted pine nuts and rocket or basil leaves (you can check out my homemade tomato sauce recipe). It’s also delicious with sautéed mixed mushrooms, ratatouille or a mixed green salad.

#vegan #vegetarian #polenta