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Creamy Parmesan Polenta with Burst Tomatoes

Soft, buttery polenta topped with garlicky burst tomatoes and a shower of parmesan.

Submitted by Mara Ellis
Prep
10 mins
Cook
25 mins
Total
35 mins
Servings
4

Steps

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, garlic, and salt, then cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the tomatoes slump and burst.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, bring the water or broth to a gentle boil in a saucepan.

  3. 3

    Whisk in the polenta slowly, lower the heat, and cook, stirring often, until thick and tender, about 15 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir the butter, parmesan, and a few turns of black pepper into the polenta.

  5. 5

    Spoon the polenta into bowls and top with the burst tomatoes and any juices from the skillet.

  6. 6

    Finish with more parmesan and basil or red pepper flakes if using, then serve warm.

Make it fancy

Kick it up a notch

Optional moves for when you want to impress.

  • Add a spoonful of mascarpone or ricotta to the polenta for an even silkier finish.
  • Top with crispy mushrooms or white beans if you want to make it feel heartier.
  • Use broth instead of water for deeper flavor without any extra work.
  • A little lemon zest over the tomatoes wakes the whole bowl up right at the end.