Dairy Free Classic Polenta

Total time40 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time35 min

This creamy, slow-simmered polenta starts with coarse-ground cornmeal whisked into a steady stream of boiling liquid until every last dry clump disappears. The real work happens with a wooden spoon over gentle heat, stirring patiently until the mixture pulls cleanly from the sides of the pan and turns thick, smooth, and satiny. A finishing hit of freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and bite right before serving, while the long simmer coaxes out all that natural corn sweetness and body. Spooned hot into bowls, it's the kind of comforting, spoonable side that works under braised vegetables, roasted mushrooms, or a simple saucy stew. It's a great pick for a dairy free table, delivering that same glossy, spoon-coating texture you want from a proper bowl of polenta.

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Ingredients

4 servings

4 cups water
1 cup whole milk
Planet Oat Oatmilk Original - 52 fl oz Chobani Original Oatmilk - 52 fl oz Chobani Oatmilk Extra Creamy 52 fl oz Planet Oat Original Extra Creamy Oatmilk 52 fl oz Califia Farms Dairy Free Extra Creamy OatMilk 48 FL OZ
See all
Chef's tip
Use plain, unsweetened oat milk, measured 1:1. It works well in drinks, batters, sauces, and soups; avoid it where milk sets the texture, like custards, puddings, and frozen desserts.
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup coarse-ground cornmeal (polenta)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Chef's tip
Use a stick or block-style dairy-free butter - not a soft tub spread - and swap one-for-one.
½ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
Chef's tip
Match the form the recipe uses - grated for sprinkling and sauces, a firm wedge for shaving. If the recipe melts the cheese, choose a product labeled meltable.
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1
Combine the water, milk, and salt in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Reduce the heat to medium-low. While whisking constantly, pour the cornmeal into the liquid in a slow, steady stream until fully incorporated with no dry clumps.

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