Polenta is a popular Italian side dish made from cornmeal. It has a creamy, porridge-like texture and a mild, sweet corn flavor. Polenta can be a great accompaniment to a variety of savory dishes, as it soaks up the delicious juices and sauces wonderfully. Here are some of the best main courses that polenta pairs well with as a side.
Meat Dishes
Polenta is an excellent side for hearty meat dishes. The mild corn taste and soft texture complements rich meats perfectly. Here are some specific meats polenta goes great with:
- Steak: A juicy steak with polenta is a match made in heaven. The polenta acts as a neutral base to soak up the beef juices and savory flavors.
- Lamb: Polenta pairs nicely with gamier meats like lamb. It balances out the strong taste.
- Pork chops: The sweetness of the corn polenta balances salty pork beautifully. It also soaks up any pan sauces or drippings.
- Chicken: Baked, grilled or roasted chicken tastes wonderful with creamy polenta on the side. The subtle corn taste doesn’t overpower the delicate chicken.
- Turkey: At Thanksgiving or any festive meal, turkey with gravy and polenta makes a great combination.
In general, polenta works with any braised, roasted or pan-fried meat. The mealy texture and mild flavor complements and absorbs meat drippings and sauces.
Seafood Dishes
Polenta is also an excellent pairing with seafood. It absorbs butter and herbs beautifully.
- Fish: Baked or grilled fish like salmon, cod or halibut tastes delicious with polenta. The corn and fish flavors complement each other wonderfully.
- Shrimp: Sauteed, grilled or baked shrimp pairs nicely with polenta. Feel free to soak up any garlicky, herbaceous pan sauce with the polenta.
- Crab cakes: Crispy crab cakes served over creamy polenta is a match made in heaven. The polenta soaks up any drippings divinely.
- Mussels or clams: Cook mussels or clams in a savory broth of white wine, garlic and herbs. Serving the shellfish over steaming polenta allows it to soak up all the incredible flavors.
- Lobster: Buttery lobster tastes fantastic when paired with sweet polenta. The contrast of textures and flavors is excellent.
In general, polenta pairs well with any seafood that is baked, grilled, sauteed or poached in flavorful liquids. The polenta soaks up and complements those flavors perfectly.
Vegetable Dishes & Stews
Polenta also makes a hearty, comforting side for vegetarian mains and stews. It provides a neutral base for flavorful veggies and sauces.
- Ratatouille: The classic Italian veggie stew is heavenly when served over soft polenta. The corn soaks up the delicious vegetable juices and herb flavors.
- Stuffed peppers or eggplant: Polenta balances nicely with the bold flavors of seasoned stuffed veggies. It soaks up any drippings from the filling beautifully.
- Chili: Polenta softens the spice and provides comfort to a hearty bowl of chili. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for added yumminess.
- Vegetable curry: Indian curries pair wonderfully with polenta. The spices and aromatics in the curry sauce flavor the cornmeal magnificently.
- Mushroom ragu: Earthy mushrooms taste divine when served over creamy corn polenta. Truffle oil elevates the flavors to pure magic.
Any vegetable dish that has a flavorful sauce or gravy benefits from being served with polenta. The cornmeal acts as a comforting landing pad for the veggies and absorbs the sauce divinely.
Cheese & Broths
Drizzling cheese or broth over polenta transforms it into a comforting, decadent dish on its own. Here are creative ways to serve polenta topped or infused with cheese and broths:
- Baked polenta casserole: Layer polenta and cheese in a baking dish, then bake until melted and bubbly. Try fontina, gouda, parmesan or taleggio.
- Polenta fries: Pour polenta onto a sheet tray, let set, then cut into fries. Fry or bake with cheese crumbles or melted cheese sauce on top.
- Polenta lasagna: Layer polenta instead of pasta in a lasagna dish for a creative spin. Add cheese, sauce and roasted veggies.
- Sausage and polenta: Cook Italian sausage in tomato sauce or broth, serve over polenta. Sprinkle parmesan on top.
- Polenta pizza: Top cooked polenta rounds with pizza sauce, cheese and veggies. Bake until melted.
Broths like chicken, veggie or beef can also be soaked up by polenta and served in bowls for an easy meal. Get creative with mix-ins like beans, shredded chicken or sausage. Grate cheese on top to finish it off.
Cooking Tips
Here are some helpful tips for cooking and serving perfect polenta with your meal:
- For creamy polenta, use a ratio of 3-4 parts liquid to 1 part polenta. Water, broth or milk all work well.
- Bring the liquid to a boil first. Then whisk in the polenta slowly to prevent lumps.
- Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until thickened. This takes about 15-60 minutes depending on the brand.
- Finish with butter, cheese and herbs to boost flavor. Salt and pepper to taste.
- For firmer polenta, spread cooked polenta on a sheet tray to set. Then cut into wedges or slices to grill or fry.
- For soft polenta, serve immediately after cooking. It firms up quickly as it cools.
- Fortify the cornmeal with extras like roasted garlic, caramelized onions or chopped veggies.
- Cook and store any extra polenta in the fridge for quick meals later on. Just reheat with broth or sauce.
Recommended Pairings
Certain flavors pair particularly well with polenta to make memorable meals. Here are some suggested flavor combinations:
| Main Dish | Recommended Flavor Pairings |
|---|---|
| Steak or beef stew | Gorgonzola cheese, caramelized onions, red wine reduction |
| Pork roast or chops | Sauteed apples, fennel seed, sage |
| Chicken cacciatore | Kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, rosemary |
| Turkey or roast chicken | Cranberries, orange, thyme |
| Fish stew or poached fish | Saffron, parsley, lemon |
| Shrimp scampi | White wine, lemon, chili flakes |
| Eggplant or veggie lasagna | Ricotta, basil, nutmeg |
| Vegetable curry | Coconut milk, cilantro, garam masala |
| Minestrone soup | Pesto drizzle, parmesan |
Conclusion
Polenta makes the perfect side for a wide variety of main dishes from succulent meats to fresh seafood, nourishing vegetables and comforting stews. Its mild taste and creamy texture pairs wonderfully with rich sauces and absorbs flavors beautifully. With minimal effort, polenta can transform any dinner into a mouthwatering meal. This versatile Italian cornmeal side is easy to whip up and endlessly adaptable to what’s cooking. Keep these tasty pairing ideas in mind next time you make polenta!