Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/13 checked
4
servings
2 cup

water

1 pinch

kosher salt

0.75 cup

coarse-ground cornmeal

2 tbsp

unsalted butter

1 pinch

freshly ground black pepper

0.5 cup

grated Parmesan

grated

1 unit

medium carrot

grated

0.5 unit

medium zucchini

grated

1 tbsp

diced red onion

sauteed

1 cup

low-fat yogurt

1.5 tbsp

chopped scallions

chopped

1.5 tbsp

chopped dill

chopped

1 tsp

freshly squeezed lemon juice

freshly squeezed

Step 1
~2 min

Bring 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt to a boil in a large pot.

Step 2
~2 min

Reduce heat to low.

Step 3
~2 min

Slowly pour in 3/4 cup coarse-ground cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Key Technique: Stirring
Step 4
~2 min

Cook the polenta, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot (about 5 minutes).

Key Technique: Stirring
Step 5
~2 min

Stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 6
~2 min

Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 grated medium carrot, 1/2 grated medium zucchini, and 1 tablespoon sauteed diced red onion.

Step 7
~2 min

Line a small pan with parchment paper.

Step 8
~2 min

Press the polenta mixture into the prepared pan to your desired thickness.

Step 9
~2 min

Chill the polenta in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to firm up.

Step 10
~2 min

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

Step 11
~2 min

Grease a cookie sheet.

Step 12
~2 min

Use a star cookie cutter to cut the chilled polenta into star shapes.

Step 13
~2 min

Arrange the polenta stars on the greased cookie sheet.

Step 14
~2 min

Bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Step 15
~2 min

Let the baked polenta stars cool slightly before serving.

Step 16
~2 min

Prepare SkyMeals Yogurt Dip by combining 1 cup low-fat yogurt, 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped scallions, 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped dill, 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 17
~2 min

Mix the yogurt dip ingredients well.

Step 18
~2 min

Chill the yogurt dip until ready to serve.

Step 19
~2 min

Pack the polenta stars and yogurt dip separately for serving.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Adjust the thickness of the polenta cakes to your liking.

Serve with different dipping sauces for variety.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

10 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made a day ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Mild
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Pack in lunchboxes for a healthy snack.

Serve as an appetizer at parties.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled Chicken
Roasted Vegetables
Tomato Soup

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Northern Italy

Cultural Significance

Polenta is a staple dish in Northern Italy.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Lunch
Snack
Party Appetizer

Popularity Score

65/100

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