Savory Polenta-style side
Savory Polenta-style side is a creamy, comforting dish made from cornmeal (polenta) cooked with water or broth, often enriched with butter, cheese, and herbs. It's a staple of Northern Italian cuisine, particularly from regions like Lombardy and Veneto, where it's traditionally served as a hearty base for stews, braises, or grilled meats.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from the cornmeal, with moderate fat from added butter and cheese, and provides a good source of energy. A typical serving offers around 200-250 calories, along with key nutrients like iron and B vitamins from the corn.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 45 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Zinc | 1.2 mg |
| Selenium | 6 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Polenta has ancient roots as a peasant food, originally made from various grains before corn became dominant, and it's nutritionally unique for being naturally gluten-free while providing a good source of resistant starch, which can support gut health.
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AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms