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Instant-Pot Creamy Polenta with Parmesan and Parsley Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 109 reviews

This creamy Instant-Pot Polenta recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare classic, comforting polenta with minimal effort. Using coarse polenta, water, and a few simple ingredients, the polenta is pressure cooked to perfection, then enriched with butter and Parmesan cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley for a delicious side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Polenta Base

  • 1 cup coarse polenta (not quick-cooking)
  • 4 1/4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Additions and Garnish

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Whisk ingredients: In your Instant Pot, whisk together the coarse polenta, water, and kosher salt until well combined to prevent any lumps.
  2. Pressure cook: Close and secure the Instant Pot lid. Set the valve to sealing and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
  3. Natural pressure release: Once the cooking time is completed, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
  4. Finish polenta: Whisk the polenta vigorously until it becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in the unsalted butter until melted and incorporated.
  5. Season and serve: Season the polenta with freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Note that the polenta will thicken as it cools.

Notes

  • Use coarse polenta for the best texture; quick-cooking polenta is not recommended.
  • Be careful when releasing the pressure after cooking to avoid burns.
  • Polenta thickens as it cools; reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it if needed.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional; omit for a dairy-free version or add other cheeses for variation.

Keywords: Instant Pot polenta, creamy polenta, easy polenta recipe, pressure cooker polenta, Italian side dish

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/instant-pot-creamy-polenta-with-parmesan-and-parsley-recipe/