What Is the Difference Between Grits and Polenta?

What Is the Difference Between Grits and Polenta?

If you've recently found yourself stuck in the grocery store aisle trying to choose between polenta and grits, we're here to help. With its many uses, corn is one of the most popular veggies. Its gluten free, low-allergen nature means that it can be used to create meals that everyone can enjoy. Though both are made from corn, polenta and grits have unique qualities and are often used in entirely different ways. Continue scrolling to discover the difference between grits and polenta to better understand how you can use each to create delicious meals.

What Is Polenta?

Polenta, a dish made of boiled cornmeal, is a type of porridge that originated in Northern Italy. Though it's not an everyday meal in the United States, it is a staple in the weekly menus of many Italian Americans. So, is polenta gluten free? Yes, if it is packaged and processed in a gluten free facility to avoid cross contamination. Made of coarse yellow cornmeal, polenta is often served as a soft, thick mush and topped with sauces, gravies, ragu and cheese. It can even be made into a polenta pizza.

What Are Grits?

Corn grits in a glass bowl with a wooden spoon Grits, also made from corn, are often made from a specific type of corndent corn. Dent corn is a mildly sweet and starchy corn, and when turned into polenta, is put through a process of soaking and drying. This process takes several days and allows the rigid hull of the corn to be removed, resulting in a grain known as hominy. When purchasing grits, you'll notice a few different varieties on shelves: hominy, white corn and yellow corn. A common ingredient in Southern cuisine, grits are used to create everything from a modest breakfast to an elaborate entree.

The Main Differences Between Grits and Polenta

So how do they differ? There are many theories why polenta and grits produce such different dishes. Some people believe it's due to the region where they're grown, while others think it's the type of corn used. Geography plays a role when labeling these ingredients and the dishes they're used in. Polenta is an Italian dish, whereas grits are a dish attributed to the American South. This being so, each region can accurately identify each, and it will be hard to pass off grits as polenta to an Italian cook and vice versa. Lastly, packaging also takes part in how these ingredients can be distinguished. For example, Grits are generally sold as coarse cornmeal in a box or bag. Polenta, however, can be sold in a bag, pre-cooked, shaped, flavored and thickened into a tube-like shape that's ready for slicing and heating.

How to Make Basic Italian Polenta

Eager to try your hand at making basic Italian polenta? Here's a quick and easy recipe to get you started.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Water
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 2 cups Yellow Corn Polenta
  • 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
Optional:
  • cup shredded Cheese of choice
  • Sauce of choice

Instructions

  1. Bring water and sea salt to boil in a large pan.
  2. Gradually stir in the polenta.
  3. Once all of the polenta has been added, reduce heat and bring it to a simmer.
  4. Allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes, frequently stirring to prevent sticking, until the polenta has achieved a thick and creamy consistency.
  5. Stir in butter and add salt to taste.
  6. Oil a deep medium-sized bowl and spoon the cooked polenta into it, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes.
  7. Invert the bowl onto a flat plate. Properly cooked polenta will unmold and hold its shape.
  8. Cut the polenta into thick slices, top with the chosen sauce and cheese, and serve hot.

How to Make Quick Grits

Curious to learn how the cooking process differs when making grits? Continue scrolling for step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Water
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Creamy White Grits

Instructions

  1. In a medium pot, bring salt and water to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, begin adding the corn grits and reduce the heat.
  3. Cook the corn grits for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow the grits to stand for 1-2 minutes.

Polenta Recipes to Try

Polenta Croutons Work polenta into your weekly menu with mouthwatering recipes that everyone in your family will enjoy. From cheesy polenta casserole with gorgonzola to polenta marionberry lemon cake, there's a recipe on this list to satisfy all of your cravings.

Three Bean Chili Polenta Pot Pie

If you're searching for a filling and creamy dinner that's sure to satisfy everyone at the table, start by making this Three Bean Chili Polenta Pot Pie Recipe. Made in just half an hour, from start to finish, this dish swaps out meat for beans to create a vegetarian spin on the traditional version. That being so, ground beef or chopped chicken can be added for an extra dose of flavor and protein. Made by combining chili with a polenta topping, it's hearty, delicious, and ideal for serving multiple guests.

Polenta Marionberry Lemon Cake

Though polenta is often used to create savory dishes, it can also make sweet ones. So if you're searching for a bright dessert to welcome in the flavors of spring and summer, we have just the recipe for you. This tasty Polenta Marionberry Lemon Cake is a sweet and flavorful treat that can be baked into a 9-inch round cake or cupcakes. In this dessert, polenta is combined with buttermilk, marionberries and lemon zest and topped with lemon and powdered sugar. Easy to make, the entire cake bakes in under an hour, making it the perfect last-minute dessert.

Polenta Croutons

With pre-made croutons readily available at most grocery stores, many people forget that they can be made at home in just minutes. Made with a handful of ingredients, you likely have everything needed to make these Polenta Croutons in the pantry already. A fun way to give your salad a boost of flavor and texture, prep the polenta on the stovetop with fresh cracked pepper, butter and gruyere cheese. Once it cools off, slice it into small bite-sized pieces and toss it into olive oil and bread crumbs before baking. The result? A golden crouton that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for your next salad recipe.

Grits Recipes to Try

Homemade shrimp and grits with smoked bacon, onions and cheese in a black bowl on a dark concrete background Now that you have a few polenta recipes in the queue, it's time to find a grits recipe for your next dinner party. Continue scrolling to determine which of the recipes below best suits your taste preferences and dietary requirements.

Shrimp and Grits

Care to make an authentic dish from the South? This Shrimp and Grits recipe is just what you need. It's a delicious combo of rich and creamy grits, topped with tender shrimp and flavorful bacon, and makes for the perfect comfort food. Simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a dinner party, this grits recipe will quickly meet all of your mealtime needs.

Spicy Stewed Beef with Creamy Cheddar Grits

Craving comfort food while also wanting to step outside of your comfort zone? This recipe is a great way to meet in the middle. Perfect for a night in, this Spicy Stewed Beef with Creamy Cheddar Grits appeals to chile lovers of all ages. Filling, creamy and delicious, cheddar cheese and chicken broth are used to balance out this dish's spiciness. That being so, you may still have to step outside to cool down.

Barbecue Pot Pie with Cheese Grits Crust

Straight out of a southern cookbook, this fantastic recipe is perfect for dinner guests who are fans of barbecue and southern food. To make this dish, pulled pork is tossed with thick and flavorful barbeque sauce just before it's covered in a blanket of cheese grits. This Barbecue Pot Pie with Cheese Grits Crust is a recipe so good you won't want to put the fork down. Now that you know the difference between grits and polenta, you can better determine which ingredient will work best in your favorite dishes. Choose from one of the recipes above to start baking with these delicious foods today, or gain inspiration from them to create your own recipe. Simple to cook with, we're confident that any meal you choose to make with grits or polenta will turn out delicious. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a healthy and happy day. Do you enjoy cooking with grits and polenta? We'd love to hear more about how you use these ingredients in your kitchen. Share your favorite recipes with us in the comments below.
Bob's Red Mill
April 08 2022

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