Is Polenta Gluten-Free?

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Is polenta gluten free? Yes, this tasty Italian dish is most definitely gluten-free. It’s also vegan and incredibly versatile, making it a suitable alternative to pasta and many other grains. This is especially useful for coeliacs or those with gluten and wheat sensitivity or intolerance.

What is polenta?

Often mistaken for an ingredient, the term ‘polenta’ actually refers to an entire dish - a porridge or mush that’s made from coarsely ground cornmeal. It originated in Europe in the 16^th century and is most often derived from yellow corn, although farro, chestnuts, millet, spelt and chickpeas can also be used.

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How is polenta made?

Traditionally, polenta is cooked slowly over low heat until the grains swell and the starches are released. At this point, it has a thick, creamy consistency and is ready to be eaten.

Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

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Ingredients:

4 cups water

1 tsp salt

1 cup polenta

3 tbsp butter

½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Method:

Bring salted water to a boil in a large saucepan.
Pour polenta slowly into the boiling water, whisking constantly.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often until the mixture starts to thicken (about 5 minutes.)
Cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking regularly (you may need a wooden spoon when mixture begins to thicken.)
When the texture is creamy and the grains are tender, turn off the heat.
Stir the butter and cheese into the polenta until melted.
Cover and let stand 5 minutes to thicken.
Stir and season, before transferring to a serving bowl.

Note: After it has cooled or been chilled, the consistency of polenta changes and it solidifies. From here, it can be cut into pieces and baked or grilled to your liking (e.g. polenta chips).

What does it taste like?

When perfectly cooked, polenta is smooth, creamy and not at all the grainy, sand-like texture you might expect. It is also neutral in taste and takes on the flavours of whatever you cook with it. It is most similar to the Southern-American staple grit.

What is polenta good for?

Although polenta is usually paired with a tomato-based sauce, butter or cheese, it is the ideal accompaniment to virtually any meal – be it meat, seafood or veggies. It can also be seared, grilled or fried and enjoyed on its own.

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Below are some of our favourite polenta-based recipes:

Polenta vegetable bake

Flourless lemon and polenta drizzle cake

Crunchy polenta roasties

Peach, lime and pistachio polenta cake

Polenta and mushroom tarts

RELATED: Pea & artichoke on crispy polenta

Lottie Dalziel

Lottie Dalziel, is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who lives and breathes all things food. When she isn't reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything, you can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.