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Polenta – here’s what you need to know

Polenta

 

Polenta is a typical autumn and winter dish of northern Italy. Its origins are linked to mountain villages as an ancient, poor but delicious recipe.

Polenta is made with cornmeal, which gives it its yellow color and accompanies vegetable, meat and fish dishes. It is used as a side dish because of its neutral flavor, but it is also a very versatile product that can be flavored with cheese, cured meats, and legumes.

Sometimes it is confused with semolina, but they are not the same thing. Polenta has a stronger flavor, semolina is milder (it comes from grinding different grains including durum wheat) and is also very suitable for making desserts, such as pancakes and pudding.

 

The history of polenta

Polenta has very ancient origins, already the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Egyptians used to prepare it with millet and rye. The Greeks made it with barley flour, the Romans called it puls, and later pulmentum and it was made from spelt or a mixture that included legume seeds. 

After the discovery of America, corn also arrived in Europe and Italy. The cultivation of corn spread mainly in the northern regions and with cornmeal, polenta was transformed into a golden yellow dish.

Most important: Polenta is Gluten-free, it is also suitable for people with celiac disease.

How healthy is polenta?

Polenta is made with cornmeal and buckwheat or whole-wheat flour, water and salt. It cooks slowly, preferably in a copper pot or nonstick saucepan with a thick bottom.

The secret to obtaining a smooth mixture is to stir the mixture throughout the cooking time, remembering that the longer the polenta cooks, the tastier and more digestible it will be.

Polenta is rich in complex carbohydrates that are slowly assimilated by the body, so it gives lasting energy and satiates for a long time. 

Corn is an excellent alternative for those who are intolerant to wheat gluten in addition to being a good substitute for bread. Infact, in diet, polenta can replace pasta and bread. Being low in fat, if milk is not used in its preparation, it contains no cholesterol.

If you want to taste polenta and you are not in italy, order it on Vico Food Box

 

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