How to Freeze Polenta

Polenta is good for up to three months in the freezer.

Polenta is a dish made of boiled cornmeal and flavored with herbs, spices, cheese and butter. Freshly cooked, it is a gruel resembling cream of wheat or grits. Once the polenta has set, it is cut into slices and grilled or pan-fried. The next time you make polenta, double the recipe and freeze half for a later time. Polenta freezes wonderfully and the flavor can actually improve with time. Frozen polenta is ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.

Things You'll Need

• Polenta
• Parchment paper
• Baking dish
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic bag
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Prepare polenta as you would normally. Pour the polenta into a baking dish lined with parchment paper and place in the refrigerator to cool. Smooth the polenta out with a wet spatula so that it is the same thickness throughout.

2. Remove the polenta from the refrigerator once it has set. Flip the baking dish over and drop polenta out onto a cutting board.

3. Cut the polenta into squares or triangles. Cutting the polenta into pieces allows it thaw quickly, while enabling you to grab just a few pieces as you need them.

4. Wrap each piece of polenta individually in aluminum foil. Place the foil-wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe, zip-top plastic bag. Write today's date on the bag with permanent marker.

5. Place the bag of polenta pieces in the freezer. Frozen polenta will remain fresh for up to three months.

6. Allow polenta to thaw completely before grilling or frying.

References

• Perfect Entertaining: Parmesan Polenta
• Food On The Food:Boston Eat Local Challenge: Day 26
• White Oak Frozen Foods: Grilled Polenta With Vegetables
• FoodNetwork.com; Savory Polenta; Alton Brown