Dry Polenta vs. Cornmeal

[Peggy]

I'm afraid this is a dumb question, but here goes. I want to make the Creamy Polenta with Warm Tomato Compote tomorrow night but have not been able to find plain dry polenta. I was wondering if I could substitute regular cornmeal. Is there a big difference??? Thanks for your help!

Peggy

[wonderwoman]

Peggy,
I have only ever made polenta with regular corn meal, and it has turned out fine. I have found dry polenta at Whole Foods in the East Bay.
Hope that helps!

[emilycat]

Dry polenta and cornmeal are the same thing -- calling it dry polenta is just a way to jack up the price.

[lindrusso]

FYI for you fiber fiends - I found a brand of whole grain corn meal by Bob's Red Mill that has an extra gram of fiber per serving (serving size=3 tbsp. dry). It is in a clear bag and I found it in the flour/cornmeal section of my grocery store. They leave the germ intact. One note - it seems to take a bit longer to cook. But hey, any extra fiber, even a little, is a good thing!

[Peggy]

Thank you everyone for your help! That was one thing I was never quite sure about. I'm looking forward to trying that recipe tonight!

Peggy

[kwormann]

And please let us know how it turns out.....

[Wendy w]

Originally posted by kwormann
And please let us know how it turns out.....

Please do. I have never had polenta in my life and I have the utmost respect for your taste buds.