The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
Profile Photo

Polenta Cakes

5.00 Mitt(s) 1 Rating(s)1 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 5

Prep:

Cook:

Level: Easy

System:

6
x

Print Options

Page size Letter 3x5 4x6
Text Size Small Medium Large
Content Include description
Include prep time, etc.
Show image

Description

Pan-fried Polenta Cakes!

Ingredients

  • 5 cups Water
  • 1 cup Fine Corn Meal (polenta)
  • 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Grated, More If Necessary

Preparation

In a large sauce pan, bring water to a rolling boil. Season heavily with salt. GRADUALLY add in the cornmeal and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook until mixture thickens, stirring often. WHILE polenta is cooking, spray a casserole dish with a small amount of cooking spray. Line the dish with Saran wrap and set aside.

Once the polenta has thickened (approximately 30 minutes), check for seasoning and add salt if necessary. Then pour the mixture into the Saran-wrap-lined dish. Add another layer of Saran wrap on top and smooth it down directly on top of the polenta. Place into the refrigerator for approximately 2 hours to set up.

When you are ready to make the polenta cakes, lift the polenta out of the dish. Remove the Saran wrap and place onto a cutting board. Using a round cookie cutter or glass, make 6 polenta circles or “cakes.”

Place a saute pan over medium heat and add approximately 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. When the oil is hot, place the polenta circles into the pan. Cook until a golden-ish crust has formed on both sides, turning as little as possible. When cakes are nearly finished, season with a smidge of pepper and some grated parmigiano reggiano to the tops of the cakes.

2 Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Profile photo of thecatnipcat

thecatnipcat on 7.27.2011

Are you using dried polenta? The polenta I have is already hydrated and in a tube.

Profile photo of bekkileigh

bekkileigh on 8.18.2010

I tried these this evening, and while the polenta tasted great, I don’t think I fried them long enough. Any advice on how long they should go on each side? Mine were about 1 inch thick.

One Review

You must be logged in to post a review.

Profile photo of QueenOfHerKitchen

QueenOfHerKitchen on 9.30.2010

I love these! In order to cut my time at the stove and cook a double batch in a timely manner I coated a cookie sheet with the olive oil, then placed the slices on it, baked at about 375 (convection) for 10 minutes then flipped and went a few more. Super crispy outside, creamy inside. Yum! Thanks for the recipe!

Related Recipes

Mushroom Risotto
Profile Photo by Beth Pierce in Sides
Mushroom Risotto is a creamy luscious Italian rice dish made with...
5.00 Mitt(s) 3 Rating(s)3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 53 votes, average: 5.00 out of 53 votes, average: 5.00 out of 53 votes, average: 5.00 out of 53 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 4 Level: Easy


Broccoli Salad
Profile Photo by Zachary in Sides
This Broccoli Salad is a delicious and light side dish for...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 6 Level: Easy


Twice Baked Potatoes
Profile Photo by Zachary in Sides
These creamy and flavorful twice baked potatoes are sure to be...
5.00 Mitt(s) 1 Rating(s)1 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 4 Level: Easy


Hush Puppies
Profile Photo by Beth Pierce in Sides
These southern Hush Puppies are crispy on the outside and soft...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 20 Level: Easy


Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad
Profile Photo by Chanda | My Farmhouse Table in Sides
Chili Cheese Frito and Corn Salad.
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 8 Level: Easy