Quick and Easy Microwave Polenta

If you are looking for a quick way to make polenta, without using “Instant”, this is it. Use the microwave. It is so much easier than you think and it doesn’t come out lumpy. This is a great way to make a creamy polenta as a breakfast base or a dinner side dish.

By its nature, polenta is quite bland. Think of it as a canvas for other flavours.

This recipe is for a basic, unflavoured polenta. A perfect canvas.

Tips

When making polenta on the stove, the water can easily be changed out for milk or stock. But, when microwaving, I like to just stick with water. It is easy to scorch dairy products in the microwave.
If you want to eat it as porridge, serve it as soon as it is done cooking. When polenta cools it sets quite quickly and it does not return to its creamy texture when reheated.
Solid polenta can be frozen and used later.To do this, place the cooked polenta in a greased container and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours. Then slice it up and place the slices on a cookie sheet in one layer. Put this in the freezer. Once the pieces are frozen, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. When you want to cook the pieces, allow them to thaw first. Use them while they are still quite cold, but not frozen.

GET MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about Polenta and ways to use it.
Want to make polenta on the stovetop? Check it out.
Learn about different corn products.

Quick and Easy Microwave Polenta Recipe

Servings	Prep Time	Cook Time
2	2 minutes	8 minutes	Print

Recipe Notes

Add other spices to the liquid if you like.
Can be served with sweet or savoury toppings.

INGREDIENTS

90 grams (1/2 Cup) Medium Cornmeal
500 mililitres (2 Cups) Water
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
14 grams Unsalted Butter

DIRECTIONS

Gather your ingredients.

Add water, cornmeal and salt to a microwave safe bowl. Stir well.

Cover and cook in microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes. Seal the edges, but do not cover too tightly because the plastic wrap will expand with the heat.

Remove the plastic wrap and stir well.

Cover the bowl again and cook in the microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes.

Serve as a porridge, with your favourite topping or let it set to slice later. Grease or line a container. Spread out hot polenta and flatten well. Cover and let cool a little before putting in the fridge. Leave in fridge for a couple of hours before slicing.