Three Corn Polenta Recipe by Chef John

Name: Three Corn Polenta Recipe by Chef John
Total time: 55 mins
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons butter, divided; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1.5 cups fresh corn kernels, divided; salt and ground black pepper to taste; 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste; 1 clove garlic, pressed; 2.5 cups water, divided; 0.5 cup polenta

Early in my cooking career in San Francisco, I recall discussing a menu with a Chef who planned to feature polenta as a side. When I referred to it as 'polanda,' he was unfamiliar with the term. I then contacted my mother to share that the restaurant would be serving polenta and inquired if she knew what it was. Amusingly, she revealed that 'pol-an-da' was simply our family's unique way of pronouncing the actual word, polenta. Needless to say, I felt rather foolish!

Total time55 mins
Prep time10 mins
Cook time40 mins
Yield4 servings, 4

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Servings

Ingredients

2 teaspoons butter, divided
1 teaspoon olive oil
1.5 cups fresh corn kernels, divided
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 clove garlic, pressed
2.5 cups water, divided
0.5 cup polenta

Instructions

In a saucepan, melt 1 teaspoon of butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Sauté 2/3 of the corn with a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper until fragrant and golden, approximately 10 minutes. Incorporate garlic and cook until its aroma fills the air, about 30 seconds.
Introduce 2 cups of water to the corn mixture, bringing it to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the polenta. Return to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Continue to simmer, stirring periodically, until the mixture thickens and the polenta absorbs the water, around 20 minutes. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of water and stir, cooking until fully absorbed, about 10 minutes longer.
Integrate the remaining corn and 1 teaspoon of butter into the polenta mixture. Take the pot off the heat, cover it, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 166 kcal
Fat Content: 6 g
Fiber Content: 3 g
Sugar Content: 3 g
Sodium Content: 211 mg
Protein Content: 5 g
Cholesterol Content: 7 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 27 g
Saturated Fat Content: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g