Polenta

Polenta is and Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal and is a traditional, staple food throughout northern Italy.

Polenta can be made with fine or coarse cornmeal, depending on the desired texture, and served soft and creamy or shaped into patties or balls and fried or grilled.

It is a time consuming dish, requiring an hour or more of slow cooking and constant stirring. Because of its popularity, alternate methods of preparation have been created to speed up the cooking process. There is also instant polenta.

Fast Facts

1. Closely related to Grits
2. Can be yellow or white cornmeal
3. Early versions made with farro and chestnut powder
4. Originally made by Native Americans
5. Formerly a peasant food

Polenta in 5 Languages

1. Russia: mamaliga
2. Brazil: angu
3. South Africa: mealie pap
4. Bosnia: pura
5. Bulgaria: kachamak

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