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The Tiny Italian

Pasta, Gnocchi & Polenta / Recipes

How to cook polenta perfectly

When I think of polenta, I always think of it as the Italians equivalent to a hot comforting bowl of buttery mash potato. Before pasta made its mark across Italy, polenta was actually eaten in abundance in the northern hemisphere and was part of their daily diet. If you ask many Northern Italians today, many hold many nostalgic memories of their Nonna cooking and stirring polenta with a wooden stick for a few hours in a particular copper pot. These days it is no longer considered a staple food, but now enjoyed in a variety of recipes. But what is polenta?

What is Polenta

Polenta is cornmeal grounded from delicately flavoured maize. 

This wonderful grain can be found coarse  – ‘bramata‘ in the Alpine valleys; or fine – ‘fino’ in central Italy. It all depends on your final desired texture. Again it’s enjoyed white in the north-eastern regions or in Lombardy, it’s yellow. Again, different regions favour one to the other. However, when it comes to the UK, yellow coarse polenta is most commonly found. There are many ways to use polenta but before it can be enjoyed within any recipe, it must be cooked first.

How to cook polenta

Key tip: Four times liquid to polenta. For example, 200g of polenta requires 800ml of liquid

Polenta is originally cooked in water, but for a creamier consistency you can cook in milk or you could cook 50:50 water to milk. Traditionally, polenta is cooked for at least 45 minutes in a copper pot. However, instant polenta is pre-cooked and reduces the cooking time dramatically and being a London city girl, I find the instant style very convenient.

How to cook instant polenta: Bring your liquid to the boil. Season with salt. Then while stirring the water constantly with a wooden spoon, stream the polenta slowly into the liquid, letting it run through your hands slowly with the other hand. Ensure that you continue to stir for 1-2 mins with a wooden spoon.  As soon as all the polenta is integrated into the liquid, reduce the heat to very low, cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 10/15 minutes untouched. Then give it lat one stir and your polenta is ready to be used.

Piping hot and soft

Polenta is commonly known to be served piping hot and soft. This is when it resembles most to creamy mash potato. As soon as the polenta has finished cooking as above, add parmesan and butter for a creamier texture.

  • Perfect to be served with braised meat or stewed fish
  • Add gorgonzola for a real northern Italian affair
Image: Jocooks.com

When cooled down

When the polenta has finished cooking, pour into a baking tray, spread it evenly. Let is cool down for about an hour and it will set.

Grilled polenta crostini

Cut the set polenta into the size of your desired crostini. Brush with olive oil on both sides and grill until browned. These are a great bruschetta or crostini alternative and topped with a variety of ingredients. I like serving with garlic fried mushrooms cooked in white wine, with fresh parsley sprinkled on top.

Image: the Spruce eats
Fried Polenta chips.

Cut the polenta into ‘chip’ shapes. Heat a frying pan and add 0.5cm of vegetable/olive oil. When the olive oil has heated, add the polenta and fry until browned all over. Sprinkle on sea salt and a squeeze of lemon on top.

Polenta lasagna

When the Polenta has set, cut into polenta sheets to fit a baking dish. Top with ragu of your choice, top with grated parmesan and then place another polenta sheet and repeat as desired. The last layer should be polenta, brush with oil and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes.

Image: Womans day
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The Tiny Italian

Ciao, I’m Paola I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert cook and teacher. I teach people to not only cook but teach them how to LOVE TO COOK. I help change peoples mindset by showing them that cooking is not only for 'FOODIES' and sharing the fun, stress-free side with recipes, tips and cooking experiences.

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Ciao, I’m Paola
Ciao, I’m Paola

Ciao, I’m Paola

I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert, cook and teacher. Cooking doesn't come easy to everyone. However, I help you LEARN to LOVE to cook and eat better with EASY SEXY HEALTHY Italian RECIPES. Plus TIPS and HACKS to build your kitchen CONFIDENCE. Come cook with me at one of my fun stress free cooking classes or courses. It’s all about helping others BELIEVE IN THEIR OWN SAUCE!

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SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING.   This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day.   It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day.  You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients:  Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi  Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese)  Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does.   Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I  only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one.   Anywhere enjoy guys.   Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas.   #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
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SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day. You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients: Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese) Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. Anywhere enjoy guys. Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
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Cooking can calm your mind.  However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day.  However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻  It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you.   Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you  relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day.  Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together.  We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change.   #selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
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Cooking can calm your mind. However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day. However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻 It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day. Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together. We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. #selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
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SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING.   This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day.   It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day.  You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients:  Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi  Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese)  Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does.   Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I  only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one.   Anywhere enjoy guys.   Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas.   #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
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SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day. You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients: Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese) Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. Anywhere enjoy guys. Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
1 day ago
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Cooking can calm your mind.  However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day.  However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻  It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you.   Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you  relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day.  Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together.  We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change.   #selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
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Cooking can calm your mind. However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day. However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻 It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day. Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together. We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. #selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
2 days ago
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LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE.   My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful  home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care.  From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself.  Whatever your body and mind needs.  Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm.   I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy.   There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship.  This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel.   Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio.   Paola  #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
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LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care. From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself. Whatever your body and mind needs. Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship. This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. Paola #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
3 days ago
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If you’re looking to make some time for some fun delicious cooking, make time for you and some self care. My online self care cooking community is all about taking out the stress and overwhelm that you may feel in the kitchen and transform your cooking relationship so that you find the fun, empowering and rewarding side to it.  Peoples poor relationships with food is sometimes caused by their resentment of having to cook dinner all the time or maybe they are someone who has always believed they can’t cook.  The two unfortunately go hand in hand. And if you want to eat better, you really have to rely on yourself to make that stick. No diet plan or meal plan is going to change how you feel about cooking fundamentally and we need that to change so that we can embrace home cooking for the self care it really can be in our lives.  I create this membership specifically for this reason. To be a helping hand, to motivate you, be your cheerleader and remind you that you are worth it. You deserve to nourish yourself with meals that will make you happy, give you pleasure and full of goodness.  As well as monthly cook alongs you have an unlimited access to a recipe library which is updated weekly with gorgeous self care meal ideas so that you never have to wonder what to cook for dinner.  For more info head to the link in my bio.  Oh P.S. prices are going up from Feb onwards so if you want it to have your monthly membership at £35 join this week.  #cookingcommunity #onlinecookingclasses #cookathome #selfcaredaily #mindfulcooking #selfloveaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
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If you’re looking to make some time for some fun delicious cooking, make time for you and some self care. My online self care cooking community is all about taking out the stress and overwhelm that you may feel in the kitchen and transform your cooking relationship so that you find the fun, empowering and rewarding side to it. Peoples poor relationships with food is sometimes caused by their resentment of having to cook dinner all the time or maybe they are someone who has always believed they can’t cook. The two unfortunately go hand in hand. And if you want to eat better, you really have to rely on yourself to make that stick. No diet plan or meal plan is going to change how you feel about cooking fundamentally and we need that to change so that we can embrace home cooking for the self care it really can be in our lives. I create this membership specifically for this reason. To be a helping hand, to motivate you, be your cheerleader and remind you that you are worth it. You deserve to nourish yourself with meals that will make you happy, give you pleasure and full of goodness. As well as monthly cook alongs you have an unlimited access to a recipe library which is updated weekly with gorgeous self care meal ideas so that you never have to wonder what to cook for dinner. For more info head to the link in my bio. Oh P.S. prices are going up from Feb onwards so if you want it to have your monthly membership at £35 join this week. #cookingcommunity #onlinecookingclasses #cookathome #selfcaredaily #mindfulcooking #selfloveaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
5 days ago
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SAVE FOR LATER - A lighter white sauce.   Self care cooking can come in different guises and if your body and mind are telling you that you may need to inject a little health in your life, then I always recommend listening to it as that’s the only way we can start taking the steps needed to bring a little love and self care into your lives. And when we change our mindset about what cooking can bring to our lives that’s where we start to transform your relationship with it. Health, and comfort are two of pillars when it comes to my self care cooking. I have learnt that eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of comfort so these always go hand in hand in my meals.  I have found this tip useful when I’m looking for that creamy comfort we get in lasagnas, pasta or veggies bakes. The stock replaces the milk making a lighter healthier version.  For more self care inspo, recipes and tips sign up to my free newsletter. Link in bio.   #healthycook #healthyeatinghabits #cookingtips #selfcareaccount #selflovematters #wellnesstips #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
thetinyitalian
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SAVE FOR LATER - A lighter white sauce. Self care cooking can come in different guises and if your body and mind are telling you that you may need to inject a little health in your life, then I always recommend listening to it as that’s the only way we can start taking the steps needed to bring a little love and self care into your lives. And when we change our mindset about what cooking can bring to our lives that’s where we start to transform your relationship with it. Health, and comfort are two of pillars when it comes to my self care cooking. I have learnt that eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of comfort so these always go hand in hand in my meals. I have found this tip useful when I’m looking for that creamy comfort we get in lasagnas, pasta or veggies bakes. The stock replaces the milk making a lighter healthier version. For more self care inspo, recipes and tips sign up to my free newsletter. Link in bio. #healthycook #healthyeatinghabits #cookingtips #selfcareaccount #selflovematters #wellnesstips #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
6 days ago
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Listen up my bambinos! Buy your self care cooking essentials @eatalylondon and get some of the best Italian brands and ingredients in their amazing 50% sale they have on at the moment.  Italian cooking is the best cuisine if you’re looking for nourishment, pleasurable flavours and LOVE. It’s the best type of food for self care and when you use great quality ingredients, which is an essential pillar for delicious Italian cooking. You just can not go wrong.  That’s why @eatalylondon is always my first stop when stocking up on the best Italian ingredients.   So I wouldn’t hesitate as you only have until the 5th February to stock yourself with produce and ingredients to help you cook some of your fave Italian dishes, or experience authentic Italian flavours or more importantly, provide you with the self care cooking you may need.  I may even see you there as I will be heading back again soon. Who’s going? 🙋🏻‍♀️  #eataly #eatalylondon #italianingredients #selfcarecooking #cookwithlove #italiancooking #italianfoodlover
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Listen up my bambinos! Buy your self care cooking essentials @eatalylondon and get some of the best Italian brands and ingredients in their amazing 50% sale they have on at the moment. Italian cooking is the best cuisine if you’re looking for nourishment, pleasurable flavours and LOVE. It’s the best type of food for self care and when you use great quality ingredients, which is an essential pillar for delicious Italian cooking. You just can not go wrong. That’s why @eatalylondon is always my first stop when stocking up on the best Italian ingredients. So I wouldn’t hesitate as you only have until the 5th February to stock yourself with produce and ingredients to help you cook some of your fave Italian dishes, or experience authentic Italian flavours or more importantly, provide you with the self care cooking you may need. I may even see you there as I will be heading back again soon. Who’s going? 🙋🏻‍♀️ #eataly #eatalylondon #italianingredients #selfcarecooking #cookwithlove #italiancooking #italianfoodlover
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