Polenta, traditionally, is a dish made by slowly simmering coarsely ground cornmeal in water until it reaches a creamy, porridge-like consistency. It takes time and attention, but the result is delicious.
Luckily, there’s a shortcut: tube polenta. This pre-cooked polenta comes ready to slice and use, saving you a ton of time in the kitchen. It’s a total lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Ready for a simple and satisfying meal? This article will walk you through a delicious polenta recipe using tube polenta that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
What is Tube Polenta?
Tube polenta is precooked polenta that’s sold in a tube or cylinder shape. It’s ready to slice, grill, bake, or fry.
Tube polenta is super convenient because it’s already cooked, so it’s fast to prepare. Plus, it has a long shelf life compared to polenta you make from scratch.
Where to Find Tube Polenta
You can usually find tube polenta in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, near the pasta, tofu, and other premade items.
Different brands offer different flavors and textures, and you may be able to find organic and flavored versions.
Easy ways to use tube polenta
Tube polenta is your secret weapon for easy, delicious meals. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Slice and grill or pan-fry: Cut the polenta into rounds, then grill or pan-fry them. The outside will crisp up while the inside stays creamy.
- Polenta fries or bites: Cut the polenta into strips or cubes, then bake, air-fry, or deep-fry.
- Gluten-free substitute: Use slices of polenta instead of pasta sheets in lasagna. One Allrecipes user says, “Polenta lasagna is one of our favorite main dishes to share at dinner parties, since all us wheat-eaters love it too.”
- Creative applications: Use polenta as a base for pizza, layer it in casseroles, or even grill it with strawberries for dessert.
These are just a few ideas. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite ways to use tube polenta!
Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe for Tube Polenta
Here’s a quick and easy recipe for creamy mushroom sauce that you can spoon over slices of baked tube polenta. It’s fast, easy, and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 pound tube of pre-cooked polenta
- 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, oregano, or Herbes de Provence
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon white miso
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Slice the tube of polenta into rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them over about halfway through. You want them to be nicely browned.
- While the polenta bakes, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until it’s fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the white wine (if using) and then the milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the miso, parsley, remaining olive oil, and black pepper.
Tips and Substitutions
- Mushroom variations: Try using different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a unique flavor.
- Dairy-free alternatives: Substitute almond milk or another plant-based milk if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Herb options: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to customize the sauce’s flavor.
Baking vs. pan-frying tube polenta
Ready-to-eat polenta from a tube is a blank canvas that’s ready for your creativity. But how should you cook it?
Baking tube polenta
Baking is a hands-off cooking method. Once the polenta’s in the oven, you can forget about it until it’s done. Baking also results in a slightly softer texture.
To bake polenta, preheat your oven to 425°F. Then, slice the polenta and bake it for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through.
Pan-frying tube polenta
Pan-frying your polenta will give it a crispier crust than baking. Here’s how to do it:
Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Then, fry the polenta slices for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Which method should you choose?
When you’re deciding how to cook your tube polenta, think about how crispy you want it and how much time you want to spend actively cooking. Baking is easier, but pan-frying gives you a more satisfying crunch.
How to serve polenta
Polenta is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course or a side dish. Here are a few ideas:
- Main Course: Top your baked polenta with a creamy mushroom sauce for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Side Dish: Polenta makes a great accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad.
Don’t forget the toppings! Fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can really elevate the dish.
Finally, experiment with different sauces. Marinara, pesto, or even a simple brown butter sauce can transform your polenta into something new and exciting.
Final Thoughts
Tube polenta is a fantastic shortcut that allows you to enjoy creamy, delicious polenta without the constant stirring. It’s an easy and versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into countless dishes.
Give this simple recipe a try, and then let your imagination run wild! Experiment with different toppings and sauces to discover your own favorite ways to enjoy tube polenta.
Thanks to its pre-cooked convenience, tube polenta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights or any time you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.