Only a few more days left until one of my favorite holidays…THANKSGIVING! I love thanksgiving for friends, family, food, and the beginning of the holiday season. It seems like after Thanksgiving, Christmas is right around the corner, and before you know it it’s a New Year! Celebrating the season is unique for every family, but what is so special about the holidays…is time you spend with loved ones.
This pumpkin polenta recipe is a great side dish to add to your thanksgiving meal. Polenta offers a coarse and creamy texture similar to that of mashed potatoes, but is made from corn instead of potatoes. Prepare this side as a healthy and flavorful new twist on the thanksgiving table this year.
Pumpkin Polenta
Author: recipe modified from evialshenanigans.com
Recipe type: side dish
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6-8 people
Ingredients
- 4 strips thick cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup quick cooking polenta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan over medium heat cook the bacon until it is crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and do not drain the fat.
- Still over medium heat, add the butter to the reserved bacon fat. Once the butter melts and starts to foam add the onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and nutmeg and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the pumpkin puree and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly darker in color, about 3 minutes.
- Whisk in the milk and chicken broth and once it comes to a boil slowly whisk in the polenta.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the polenta thickens. If the polentas seems stiff add a little more milk. Reduce the heat to medium low.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and sour cream until thoroughly melted. Pour the polenta into a serving dish and garnish with the crisp bacon.
mmmm!!