Polenta??

[stacie99]

Could someone please tell me what exactly polenta is? I know it is some kind of starch that can substitute rice or pasta, but what does it taste like? Do you make it from a box-mix or buy it in a roll/wrap?
Any recommendations on how to try it for the first time? I see it served in so many various ways!
Thanks

[wallycat]

real, true polenta is cornmeal mush.
It is made by grinding corn into a grainy "flour"...some people love it, some don't....
Now they make quick cook, refined, pre-made (in rolls)....
If you want the most nutritious, get the whole grain. If you're interested in how it tastes, try several and decide. You may prefer one over the other.....
Have fun testing! :D

[sushibones]

Here is a thread that may be helpful

http://www.cookinglight.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16643&highlight=polenta

I bought a tube of polenta once, and thought it was pretty expensive for something that didn't have a lot of flavor. I have never quite figured out the appeal of polenta—the one time I made it myself, I didn't think it had much flavor either. However, there are lots of people on this board that will disagree with me, and lots of recipes that sound like they should taste good.

Here is a thread on how to make your own with lots of comments on pros and cons of polenta:

http://www.cookinglight.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15320&highlight=polenta

Makes it sound so good, I might even try it again someday.

If you want to see recipes, use the search button in the upper right and type in polenta. Limit it to titles (you have to scroll just a little to see the button) and you'll still have enough to keep you busy for weeks.

[mb]

made some polenta the other night - yes, it's just cornmeal mush! DH thought it was kind of gross. i, however, really liked it. it reminded me of something my mom used to make me when i was a kid and was sick. so polenta turns out to be a real comfort food for me!!!!!! it sort of tastes like grits to me (i'm talking about just a plain polenta...nothing fancy or special added in).

i'd love to make it more, but DH is my only obstacle!!!!!!!

good luck. definitely experiment with several recipes. i used the tube-polenta in a "back to the best" recipe from a few months back (polenta with roasted red peppers and fontina cheese). i liked it just as much as when you make it yourself.

marisa :)