Polenta or Grits? First Time!

Ingredients

• 4 cups Water (for cooking the cornmeal)
• 1 cup Cornmeal (coarse or medium grind; fine grind yields smoother texture)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 2 tablespoons Vegan Margarine (softened; can use unsalted butter for non‑vegan version)
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (optional, grated; adds umami flavor)

Instructions

1. Measure Ingredients

   Measure 4 cups of water, 1 cup of cornmeal, ½ teaspoon of salt, and have the vegan margarine ready.

   Time: PT2M

2. Heat Water

   Place the saucepan over low heat, bring the water to a gentle simmer, and add the salt.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: low heat

3. Whisk in Cornmeal

   Slowly stream the cornmeal into the simmering water while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: low heat

4. Switch to Wooden Spoon

   As the mixture thickens, switch from the whisk to a wooden spoon and continue stirring.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: low heat

5. Simmer Until Creamy

   Continue cooking on low heat, stirring every 5 minutes, for about 30‑40 minutes until the cornmeal is tender and the texture is creamy.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: low heat

6. Finish with Butter

   Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the vegan margarine (or butter) until fully melted and incorporated.

   Time: PT2M

7. Season and Serve

   Taste and adjust salt if needed, optionally stir in grated Parmesan, then serve hot as a side dish.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

640

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

70 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

6 g