Creamy Corn Polenta with Balsamic Mushrooms

This dish turns peak-season corn into a creamy, spoonable polenta without a single grain of cornmeal. Paired with deeply savory balsamic mushrooms and finished with a touch of pecorino, it's a silky, earthy side that holds its own as a main.

Why You'll Love Creamy Corn Polenta with Balsamic Mushrooms

This dish turns peak-season corn into a creamy, spoonable polenta without a single grain of cornmeal. Paired with deeply savory balsamic mushrooms and finished with a touch of pecorino, it's a silky, earthy side that holds its own as a main.

Tips and Tricks

• Blending fresh corn gives this polenta natural sweetness and creaminess with no need for cornmeal.
• Adjust consistency with more water or crème fraîche if too thick.
• Use a mix of mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, etc.) for more depth.

Variations

• Truffle Corn Polenta: Add a few drops of truffle oil to the finished polenta.
• Spicy Mushrooms: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the glaze.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in grated Gruyère or fontina for extra richness.

Substitutions

• Swap crème fraîche for sour cream or mascarpone.
• Use Parmesan instead of pecorino if preferred.
• Try vegan butter and coconut cream to make it dairy-free.

Best Served With

• Grilled steak, roasted chicken, or crispy tofu
• A glass of Pinot Noir or oaked Chardonnay
• Charred broccolini
• A crisp green salad

How to Store Leftovers

• Store polenta and mushrooms separately in airtight containers. Reheat polenta with a splash of water or stock to loosen. Keeps up to 3 days in the fridge.

Common Questions

Creamy Corn Polenta with Balsamic Mushrooms

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This dish turns peak-season corn into a creamy, spoonable polenta without a single grain of cornmeal. Paired with deeply savory balsamic mushrooms and finished with a touch of pecorino, it's a silky, earthy side that holds its own as a main.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Side Dish, Vegetarian

Cuisine: Californian, Modern American

Calories: 377

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Creamy Corn Polenta

• 4 ears fresh corn husked and kernels removed
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup crème fraîche
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon pecorino cheese shaved
• Kosher salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Balsamic Mushrooms

• 1 cup cremini mushrooms sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

Equipment

• Chefs knife
• Serving plates or shallow bowls
• Vegetable peeler
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Saucepan
• Blender or food processor
• Cutting board

Method

 

Make the Creamy Corn Polenta

1. Blend 4 ears of fresh corn kernels with ½ cup of water until mostly smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 10-12 minutes until thickened and bubbling.
3. Reduce heat to low and stir in ¼ cup crème fraîche, 1 tablespoon butter, and 2 tablespoon shaved pecorino until fully incorporated.
4. Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Prepare the Balsamic Mushrooms

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until browned and tender.
3. Add 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until mushrooms are glazed and slightly reduced.

Assemble

1. Spoon warm corn polenta into bowls or plates.
2. Top with the balsamic mushrooms.
3. Garnish with additional shaved pecorino and thyme if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 7gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 264mgPotassium: 458mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 495IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 229mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Storage: cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or stock to loosen the polenta; warm the mushrooms separately.

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