Creamy polenta

This makes a great alternative to potato or rice. A quick high calorie filler that can be eaten on its own or add a savoury topping of your choice. Why not try some of the quick snack ideas in this section with polenta?

Preparation time:Less than 5 minutes

Serves:2 - 4

Cooking time:18 minutes

  • Ingredients
    • 750 ml full-fat milk
    • 1 small clove of garlic, lightly crushed and intact
    • 1 small bay leaf
    • Salt and white pepper
    • A pinch of nutmeg
    • 75g quick-cook polenta
    • 100ml double cream or heavy cream, or crème fraîche
    • 75g freshly grated Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese
  • Method
    1. Bring the milk to the boil and then add in the garlic, bay leaf, salt and pepper and nutmeg. Simmer for five minutes.
    2. Remove the bay leaf and garlic.
    3. Slowly whisk in the polenta in a steady stream and keeping whisking all the time to avoid lumps forming.
    4. Cook on a low heat for 10 minutes, but stir constantly as it will stick very easily. It can also spit when boiling, so be careful not to let the heat get too fierce.
    5. Add in the cream and cheese, cooking for a further 2-3 minutes, and serve.