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Creamy Polenta

Creamy Polenta

Sometimes you’re in the mood for something that’s lighter than pasta and creamier than rice. Polenta (coarsely ground cornmeal) is the Goldilocks of grains for that craving. Cooking in the microwave makes this difficult-on-the-stove dish easily achievable on a weeknight. Simmered simply in water and milk, it’s the perfect canvas for hearty bolognese, braised stew, or tomato sauce.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

1000w

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Product Size

  • Small Dish
  • Medium Shallow
  • Large Shallow
  • Medium Deep
  • Large Deep

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Free Time

for a living room dance party

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (75g) polenta, or yellow corn grits
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) water or chicken stock
  • ¾ cup (170ml) milk
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated

Preparation

  1. Add polenta, water, milk, and salt to the Anyday and stir to combine. Spread the mixture in an even layer. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 4
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 20 minutes, or until polenta is hydrated and tender. The polenta may look separated at first, but whisk it for a minute and it will come together and become spoonable. If needed, add more time at Power Level 4 in 1 minute intervals. If it’s too thick, whisk in ¼ cup water to thin it out.
  3. Whisk in butter and grated parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Adjust the power level by 1 as needed — increase if it’s taking longer than expected, or decrease if it’s bubbling over.
  • For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or creme fraiche at the end.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.