Grilled Polenta with Marinara and Basil
A crisp polenta made on the grill served over marinara with pesto. Easy cleanup and a delicious part of any meal!
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 524kcal
Cost: $15
Equipment
- 1 Large Dutch Oven or Pot
- 1 large baking tray
- 1 grill
Ingredients
- 2 cups medium grit cornmeal or polenta
- 10 cups water
- 2 cups parmigiano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 stick butter
For Grilling/ Serving
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- ½ cup pesto
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup parmigiano
Instructions
- Add the water, olive oil, bay leaves, and salt to the pot. While cold, whisk in the polenta slowly, pouring it in a thin stream. Raise the heat to medium and bring it to a simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often to keep it from sticking.
- Remove it from the heat and stir in the butter and parmigiano until well combined. While still hot, pour the polenta into a greased baking pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium. Once chilled, the polenta should feel somewhat rubbery. Use a knife to cut your desired shapes into the sheet of polenta and set them on a plate. Lightly brush the polenta on both sides with olive oil.
- Grill the polenta on each side for 5-6 minutes or until it easily comes off the grill grates. If it's sticking, it's not done cooking yet. It will unstick when it's done cooking.
- Remove from the grill. Serve over marinara with fresh pesto and extra parmigiano cheese.
Video
Notes
- Chill the creamy polenta for at least 4 hours. It will fall right through the grill grates if you don't chill for long enough. It needs time to set.
- Do not try to scrape the polenta off the grill if it is sticking. If it's still sticking, it's not ready to be flipped.
- The best way to reheat is to place it back on the grill.
Nutrition
Calories: 524kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 1283mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1237IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 380mg | Iron: 1mg
