Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta
This porridge might have been a staple in ancient times but I bet they never had it this good. Tangy Goat Cheese, the richness of whole Cream and Butter, the fragrance of Thyme and the wonderful sweetness of Honey… all encased in Creamy Polenta. This brilliant side dish works so well with slow roast tender Meats.
Try Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta with Chocolate Braised Short Ribs and it might become a monthly special. I don’t make Polenta very often, but every time I braise Short Ribs, especially Chocolate Braised Short Ribs, the first side dish that pops into my head is this.
You know you’ve hit a winner when the family comes home to Short Ribs and they never leave the kitchen. When someone ( my kids 😛 ) appear disinterested in the yellow mush on the stove ( as they put it 👿 ), give it a taste and almost finish it… you’ve done well. There was barely enough left for the actual dinner after they got their dirty little spoons into the pot.
It all starts with finding a nice Fine Cornmeal, the finer it is the less it needs to breakdown during cooking. I like to do the 50/50 split between Stock and water. I love the added flavour the Stock brings but I don’t want it to overpower all the other wonderful ingredients.
Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta Base
Find a pot with plenty of room for everything and bring the Stock and Water up to a simmer over medium heat. A professional tip is Salt the Stock before adding the Cornmeal, a few pinches should do it to start.
After the Stock hits a simmer lower the heat and slowly pour the Cornmeal into the Stock whisking at the same time. This will help prevent any lumps forming in the Polenta. Continue to cook on low for 6-8 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and burning.
Cook the Polenta until you reach the desired texture, approximately 6-8 minutes, or until it doesn’t taste grainy and hard. I use a 5 : 1 ratio liquid to Cornmeal but if you find it isn’t creamy enough, or starts to clump up, add a little more water, 1/4 cup at a time.
It will also clump if it sits for too long before serving. If this happens just add a little water at a time whisking as you go until the desired texture is reached.
Flavouring Up
This is where the fun starts, the pièce de résistance, the treasures to behold… too much? Cream, Butter, Goat Cheese, Honey, Thyme, and Peas make this Polenta one to remember.
This is soooo easy. After the Cornmeal is cooked remove it from the heat. Add Cream and whisk, add the Butter and whisk, add Goat Cheese and whisk. Finally add the Honey, Thyme and Sweet Peas and you guessed it… 🙂 Wrong this time I like to stir, helps prevent the Peas from breaking apart.
A little more Salt & Pepper to taste and serve. If you manage to time everything really well serve the Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta right away. If the Polenta sits it will begin to thicken but not to worry. Add a little Stock or Water, 1/4 cup at a time, and whisk to thin it out again.
What did the Corn Farmer say after he had a bumper crop?
There’s POLENTA where that came from 😆
Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta
Equipment
- pot
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 C Water
- 1 1/4 C Stock Chicken or Vegetable
- 1/2 C Fine Cornmeal
- 2 Tbsp Cream
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1/2 C Goat Cheese
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme if using dry Thyme see notes
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- Salt & Pepper
Instructions
Cookinf the Cornmeal
- Over medium heat bring the Water and Stock to a simmer, add a couple pinches of salt.
- Once it hits a simmer reduce heat and slowly add the Cornmeal whisking the entire time, to help prevent lumps.
- Keep heat on low, whisk every couple of minutes to prevent the Polenta from sticking to the bottom. It is done when the grittyness is gone, about 6-8 minutes.
The Flavour Explosion
- Just before you start adding all the incredible flavours into the Polenta, reserve some of the Goat Cheese and Fresh Thyme to the side for garnishing later.
- Finishing is as simple as it gets, add the Cream and whisk, add the Butter in a couple of chunks and whisk, add the Goeat Cheese and Whisk.
- Finally add the Thyme and Honey a pinch of Salt and Pepper to taste and Voila delicious, easy / peasy / Italianeasy Polenta! Enjoy!!