polenta

[ poh-len-tuh ]

noun

1. (in Italian cooking) a dish made from coarsely ground yellow corn boiled to a thick consistency and then often cooled and baked, seasoned, and usually served with any of various sauces, toppings, or garnishes: Compare grits ( def 1 ).

   This recipe for creamy polenta with roasted cherry tomatoes and spinach is cheesy, filling, and flavorful.

polenta

/ pəʊˈlɛntə /

noun

1. a thick porridge made in Italy, usually from maize

Word History and Origins

Origin of polenta¹

First recorded before 1000; from Middle English pol(l)enta “fine meal; porridge made of fine meal,” Old English polente “parched grain or meal,” from Latin polenta “hulled, crushed grain; barley meal”; reborrowed in the 18th century from Italian polenta “kind of dish made of refined corn (or other) meal”

Word History and Origins

Origin of polenta¹

C16: via Italian from Latin: pearl barley, perhaps from Greek palē pollen

Example Sentences

The caption of the video, which was shared in conjunction with the Instagram account home.made.nation, notes that Ray served the Bennetts osso bucco with creamy polenta and bread.

From Salon

The sides are imaginative; think beef fat fries offered alongside mushroom polenta and Japanese purple potato.

From Salon

“I came with my American dream, but Tijuana claimed me,” Petit Frere said with a laugh as cooks worked from a menu that includes polenta with black beans and fried fish with banana.

From Seattle Times

“I guess I’m going to have this polenta I’ve had 12 times,” he says, laughing.

From Los Angeles Times

The annual meal will be served indoors in a sit-down style and will include turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, squash and Brussels sprouts and polenta cake.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• gruel
• oatmeal