I needed to make something quick and easy last night. I considered pasta–but then spotted a polenta log I’d purchased at Trader Joe’s a few days ago and decided to go with that instead. I slapped some half-inch thick slices on a griddle, toasted them for ten minutes, then flipped them over and added a tiny sliver of parmesan cheese while they cooked for another ten minutes. I served the polenta with fish and broccoli–and if I do say so myself, it was absolutely delicious.
Point being, I can’t believe that I forgot what a great staple this boiled cornmeal product can be. You can eat it in about a million different ways: grilled with eggs (one of my favorite meals during college); served under marinara sauce with meat; with chopped chicken sausage; or mashed with shredded cheese or even a drizzle of honey. (For more polenta ideas, check out this extensive list from Epicurious).
Did I mention it’s fairly light, too? Two 2.5 inch slices contain about 70 calories, less than a gram of fat, and 2 grams of protein. Not too shabby.
As I mentioned, I bought mine pre-made, but Alton Brown has a delicious looking DIY recipe that I’ll definitely be trying soon.
-Camille
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I’ve never made polenta at home (or bought any pre-made stuff) but thanks for reminding me! I’m going on a Trader Joe’s run this weekend, I might pick up some then
I have a problem with your blog. I don’t know if it’s the photos or the text or the fact that it’s 11:44 and officially pre-lunch but I am salivating. I think I forgot about polenta which is also good for me/wheat free. As for college, you were eating polenta? I was “eating ” at drive through margarita shops (new orleans). I’m impressed.
Lauren, that was one of my accidentally-healthy eating habits–my mother taught me to make it and it was cheap.