She Strengthens

Creamy Polenta with Pancetta and Golden Hominy

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

Looking for a comforting side dish that’s sure to impress? Look no further! This creamy polenta recipe, courtesy of Chef Neal Fraser, is a game-changer. With its rich, velvety texture and savory flavors, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

This dish gets its depth of flavor from the combination of pancetta, golden hominy, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The smoky, salty pancetta adds a meaty element, while the golden hominy provides a sweet, corn-like flavor. Meanwhile, the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese adds a nutty, slightly sharp note that balances out the dish.

Easy to Make, Impressive to Serve

Despite its sophisticated flavors, this dish is surprisingly easy to make. Simply cook the pancetta until crispy, then set it aside. Next, combine cream and chicken broth in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Slowly add the polenta, whisking constantly, until it’s well incorporated. Finally, mix in the cooked pancetta, golden hominy, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

The Finishing Touches

Just before serving, stir in some unsalted butter and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will give the dish a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavor. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese if desired.

Recipe Details

Yields: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 ounces pancetta or applewood-smoked bacon, large dice
• 1/2 cup half-and-half or whole milk
• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup polenta
• 1/3 cup drained canned golden hominy
• 1 cup (about 2 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter