Is Polenta Healthy?

Nowadays it isn't just the specialty shops that seem to carry food products from around the globe. Even your local grocer will have an aisle or two specifically devoted to ethnic fare. And with international festivals cropping up in virtually every state in America, the selections continue to expand. Yet, amid increasing concerns over our health and diet, the nutritional value of foods like polenta comes into question. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Significance

Whether polenta is healthy depends on its preparation as either a peasant meal or a fairly high-end dish. Originally it would've been prepared with a mixture of grain and water. Though relatively bland in taste, there wasn't much about it that was unhealthy. Ingredients that make it more tasty such as butter, cheese and meat lessen its potential benefits.

Prevention/Solution

If you're looking for a healthy, more traditional recipe in which to make polenta, bring nine cups of water to a boil in a fairly large pot. Add one teaspoon salt and reduce to a simmer. Slowly add three cups cornmeal (coarse), stirring constantly. If lumps start to form, whip the mixture until smooth. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring constantly. A good indication of when your polenta is done is when it comes clean from the side of the pot while stirring. Pour the polenta into a baking dish and smooth evenly. Let cool (between five and 10 minutes). Cut into slices and serve.

Considerations

Since this polenta is a fairly traditional yet rather healthy recipe, you may find that the flavor isn't as highly evident as you may prefer in meal. To add a little zest or spice, you may want to serve the dish with an assortment of sauces.

Benefits

Due to its main ingredient of cornmeal, polenta can really act as a gluten-free substitute for almost any wheat-based side dish in a meal. With all the allergies that people now seem to suffer when it comes to eating, this can serve as a quick and easy answer for those households looking for more options.

Warning

If you are looking to use polenta as a gluten-free alternative, make sure, when buying it premade or prepackaged, that you check the list of ingredients. On occasion you may find wheat flour used in its preparation. And depending on why you're seeking products that are gluten-free, this type of polenta may not be the best option. When you make it yourself, you always know what you've put in what's often called "Italian grits."