Cheesy Polenta with a Spicy Pepper Sauce Recipe

"This is such a nice change from the traditional rice or pasta side dish. This is excellent with just about anything; from, chicken or seafood, to sausage or steak. My favorite happens to be Italian or smoked sausage. You can really choose your favorite cheese too; I happen to like the mix of cheddar and parmesan, but feel free to use your favorites. And, for the peppers - this is the mix, that I like best; but, you should always use what is in season."

Original is 5 servings

Metric US

I've Tried It

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (465.2 g)
Calories 819.2
Total Fat - 10.4 g
Saturated Fat - 4.6 g
Cholesterol - 26.6 mg
Sodium - 2443.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 148.7 g
Dietary Fiber - 9 g
Sugars - 25.7 g
Protein - 33.4 g
Calcium - 40.1 mg
Iron - 0.9 mg
Vitamin C - 89.3 mg
Thiamin - 0.1 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Peppers and Onions ... Add the olive oil to a small saute pan, and bring to medium-medium low heat. Then, add all the peppers, onion, garlic, cajun seasoning, and a pinch of both salt and pepper, and saute for 5-8 minutes until all the vegetables are tender. You can re=season with salt and pepper if necessary, before topping the polenta.

Step 2

Polenta ... This takes about the same cooking time, which works about perfect. Bring the broth up to a boil, and add the polenta (a little at a time, whisking continuously, so it does not clump); and cook 5 minutes (following package directions). Then, add the cheese, butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember the parmesan is salty, so go easy. Cover and let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Step 3

Serve and ENJOY! ... I like to serve the polenta on a platter, and top with the peppers and onions (family style). Finish by adding Italian or smoked sausage, my favorite, around the polenta and peppers. It makes for a tasty, but inexpensive and quick dinner.

Tips

No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

Choose your favorite cheese for the polenta; cheddar and parmesan are a great combination, but feel free to use your favorites.
The peppers used can vary depending on what is in season; anaheim peppers or cubanelle peppers are a great mild to medium heat pepper.

Ingredient substitutions

Instead of white cheddar cheese, you can use gruyere cheese. Gruyere has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the peppers and onions. It also melts well, so it will give the polenta a creamy texture.
Instead of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth. Vegetable broth will give the polenta a mild flavor and will make the dish vegan-friendly. The vegetable broth will also add nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to the dish.

Variations

Mushroom Polenta Replace the peppers and onions with 1/2 pound of sliced mushrooms. Saute the mushrooms with garlic and olive oil until they are tender. Add the mushrooms to the polenta in place of the peppers and onions.

Cheesy Polenta Add 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese to the polenta before serving. Stir to combine and top with extra cheese before serving.

Serve with

Grilled Italian Sausage: Grilled Italian sausage is the perfect accompaniment to this cheesy polenta with a spicy pepper sauce. The smoky flavor of the sausage pairs nicely with the creamy polenta and the peppers add a nice kick. Plus, it's an easy and inexpensive dish that can be cooked quickly and effortlessly on the grill.

Grilled Zucchini: Grilled zucchini is a great side dish to go with this cheesy polenta and spicy pepper sauce. The zucchini adds a light, fresh flavor to the dish and the smokiness of the grill enhances the flavor. Plus, it's a healthy and budget-friendly option that cooks quickly and easily.

FAQ

Q: What kind of cheese should I use for the polenta?

A: You can use your favorite cheese for the polenta. I like to use a mix of cheddar and parmesan, but feel free to use whatever cheese you like best.

Q: What are some topping ideas for polenta?

A: Polenta is a versatile dish and can be topped with a variety of ingredients. Try topping with sautéed vegetables, grilled meats, fresh herbs, or a tomato-based sauce. You can also top with cheese, nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor.

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Fun facts:

The polenta dish is a staple of Italian cuisine, and is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Italy. It has been a popular dish for centuries, and is still enjoyed today.

The famous Italian chef, Giada De Laurentiis, is known for her delicious polenta recipes. She has featured the cheesy polenta dish on her cooking show, and has also published several polenta recipes in her cookbooks.