Instant Pot Polenta Recipe

With this Instant Pot polenta recipe, you can make this rich and creamy side dish in less than 30 minutes and have a dish for Gluten-Free Day (January 13th).

Before we start cooking, let’s learn a few things about this dish.

What Is Polenta?

Polenta is an Italian staple generally made with cornmeal that’s been cooked in a watery liquid to form a thick, smooth consistency. The common types of liquid used to cook polenta include water, broth, milk, or a combination of all three.

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You will need to use the liquid four to five times the volume of the cornmeal to cook it.

Seasonings for polenta can be as simple as salt alone. Sometimes black pepper, Parmesan, or herbs can be added to tailor the polenta flavor to the cook’s personal preference.

Once cooked, the polenta will have a thick consistency that resembles porridge or mashed potatoes. You can serve it hot or let it cool and firm up into a loaf.

At this point, the polenta can be cut into thick bars and fried, baked, or pan-seared to get a crispy exterior.

Is Instant Pot Polenta Healthy?

Polenta may be high in carbohydrates, but it’s still healthy. Here’s why:

The main ingredient of a polenta recipe is cornmeal. While being relatively low in calories, it’s also a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Both fiber and complex carbs take a lot of time to digest, keeping you full for longer.

As always, this Instant Pot polenta recipe also adheres to our healthy eating guidelines. The amount of calories, saturated fat, and sodium in each recipe is within recommended limits.

Is Polenta Gluten-Free?

Yes, polenta is gluten-free.

As mentioned, polenta is a mixture of cornmeal cooked in milk and water or broth. Generally, a polenta recipe doesn’t use flour as cornmeal is a great thickener on its own.

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Tips for Cooking

We only have one tip for you: pick the right cornmeal.

When you’re at the grocery store, skip the boxes of instant polenta. Those are for stovetop cooking. For today’s recipe, look for fine polenta, fine cornmeal, or grits.

For more easy and nutritious Instant Pot recipe, take a look at this roundup or check out our healthy Instant Pot breakfast ideas.

What to Serve with

Polenta can go well with almost any food, but we highly recommend you pair it with a saucy, meat dish. Any meat cooked in a tomato sauce, gravy, or stew can have polenta on the side.

You can add polenta to a serving plate, put the meat on top, and ladle the sauce over. When you eat it, scoop a spoonful of polenta, meat, and the sauce to experience a delicious, savory, creamy flavor.

How to Store and Reheat the Leftovers

To store leftover polenta, put it in an uncovered airtight container and allow it to cool before sealing with a lid. It can last up to 3 days in the fridge or a month in the freezer.

Once cooled and chilled, polenta will have a firm texture. You can either cut it into bars and pan-sear to make polenta cakes or return it to its original form.

Transfer the polenta into a small pot and add a splash of milk, water, or chicken broth. Cook over medium-low heat while stirring constantly until the polenta returns to its soft, mashed potato consistency.

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Other Savory Instant Pot Soup Recipes:

• Instant Pot Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe
• Instant Pot Mushroom Soup Recipe
• Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Instant Pot Polenta Recipe

5 from 1 vote

With this Instant Pot polenta recipe, you will need to spend only 20 minutes to make this simple side dish. You won't even break a sweat.

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• cook TIME 15 mins
• prep TIME 5 mins
• total TIME 20 mins

• COURSE Side Dish
• CUISINE Italian
• SERVINGS
  4

  servings
• CALORIES 133 kcal

INGREDIENTS

1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 0.5 oz grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cups unsalted chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp parsley (roughly chopped)
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Image instructions

1

Mix the polenta: Put 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, 0.5 oz grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 cup chicken broth into your Instant Pot. Whisk well.

2

Cook the polenta: Cover with the lid. Turn the valve knob to “sealing position”. Set your Instant Pot to the “Meat Stew” program for 15 minutes.

3

Add heavy cream: Once the timer rings, carefully turn the knob to release the steam before opening the lid. Add 2 tbsp heavy cream and stir.

4

Garnish and serve: Ladle the polenta into a bowl or deep dish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, paprika, and black pepper on top before serving.

NUTRITION

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Polenta Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 133Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g

11%

Saturated Fat 4g

25%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 18mg

6%

Sodium 251mg

11%

Potassium 143mg

4%

Carbohydrate 15g

5%

Fiber 1g

4%

Sugar 2g

2%

Protein 4g

8%

Vitamin A 238IU

5%

Vitamin C 1mg

1%

Calcium 78mg

8%

Iron 1mg

6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keywords: Instant Pot Polenta, Instant Pot Polenta Recipe, Polenta Recipe