Whole Grains for Every Meal Part 13

Ingredients

• 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Corn Grits (whole grain, non‑degerminated)
• 4 cups Water (filtered)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (adds richness and flavor, optional for dairy‑free version)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces, optional for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup (for drizzling on baked sticks, optional)
• 1 cup Marinara Sauce (store‑bought or homemade, for serving baked sticks)

Instructions

1. Boil Water

   Fill a saucepan with 4 cups of water, add the salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 100°C

2. Add Grits

   Reduce heat to medium, sprinkle the corn grits slowly into the boiling water while whisking to prevent lumps.

   Time: PT1M

3. Simmer Polenta

   Turn the heat down to low (a gentle simmer) and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the grits are tender.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: 90°C

4. Add Butter and Cheese

   Stir in the butter pieces until melted, then fold in the shredded cheddar until fully incorporated and the polenta is creamy.

   Time: PT5M

5. Set Polenta (Optional)

   If you want firm sticks, pour the hot polenta into an 8×8‑inch baking pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.

   Time: PT5M

6. Chill

   Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the polenta is firm, about 30 minutes.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: 4°C

7. Slice

   Remove the chilled polenta from the pan, cut into sticks or wedges of desired size using a sharp knife on a cutting board.

   Time: PT5M

8. Bake Polenta Sticks

   Preheat the oven to 200°C. Arrange the sticks on a baking sheet, brush lightly with melted butter, and bake until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 200°C

9. Serve

   Serve the creamy polenta immediately, or plate the baked sticks with warm marinara sauce or a drizzle of maple syrup.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

285

Protein

7.5 g

Carbohydrates

29 g

Fat

13.8 g

Fiber

3 g