Ingredients
Scale
Choosing quality ingredients is my little secret to making this dish shine. Fresh eggs and good-quality cornmeal make all the difference here. When I shop, I look for stone-ground cornmeal—it has a heartier texture and richer flavor that really elevates the polenta. Butter and Parmesan add that creamy, savory depth, while a touch of salt and pepper completes the flavor profile. If you’re looking to switch things up, I’ve included a few substitutions too.
- 1 cup stone-ground cornmeal (or medium-ground for a smoother texture)
- 4 cups water (or substitute half with milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 large eggs
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives) for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, reducing the heat to low immediately to prevent lumps.
- Cook the polenta slowly, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or whisk, for about 25-30 minutes, until thick and creamy. It should pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
- Once thickened, stir in the butter and grated Parmesan until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- While the polenta cooks, bring a separate pot of water to a gentle simmer with a splash of vinegar (this helps the eggs hold their shape).
- Crack each egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into the simmering water. Poach for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but yolks remain runny.
- Remove eggs with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
- Divide the creamy polenta into bowls and top each serving with a poached egg. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and chopped herbs if using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Creamy Polenta with Poached Eggs, recipe, cooking, food
