Creamy Pumpkin Polenta Recipe
Introduction
This creamy pumpkin polenta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings. Combining smooth pumpkin puree with rich parmesan and cream, it offers a delightful twist on classic polenta.
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in the polenta to avoid lumps.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently, until thick and tender, about 20–25 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the pumpkin puree and cream until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Step 4: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined.
- Step 5: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, cook the polenta in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm, spiced touch.
- Top with toasted pine nuts or fresh herbs like sage or thyme for added texture and aroma.
- Use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino cheese for a sharper taste.
Storage
Store leftover pumpkin polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to restore creaminess, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
How do I prevent the polenta from becoming lumpy?
To avoid lumps, gradually whisk the polenta into boiling liquid while stirring constantly. Cooking it slowly over low heat with frequent stirring also helps achieve a smooth texture.
PrintCreamy Pumpkin Polenta Recipe
This creamy pumpkin polenta combines smooth polenta with rich pumpkin puree and parmesan cheese for a comforting and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Polenta Base
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Creamy Pumpkin Mixture
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Boil the Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil with 1 teaspoon of salt to flavor the polenta.
- Cook the Polenta: Gradually whisk in the polenta to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent sticking, for about 25-30 minutes until thickened and creamy.
- Incorporate Pumpkin Puree: Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree into the polenta and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to become smooth.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Mix in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the polenta is luxuriously creamy.
- Optional Butter Addition: For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and evenly distributed.
- Serve Warm: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the creamy pumpkin polenta hot as a comforting side dish or a hearty base for proteins or vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree by roasting and mashing pumpkin if preferred over canned.
- For a dairy-free alternative, replace cream with coconut milk and parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Polenta thickens as it cools; add a splash of warm water or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Adding fresh herbs like sage or thyme can enhance the flavor profile.
Keywords: pumpkin polenta, creamy polenta, fall side dish, pumpkin puree recipe, parmesan polenta
