Creamy Polenta with Sage Brown Butter Popcorn

Polenta is one of those humble and unassuming pantry staples that become magically decadent and scrumptious with the addition of only a few ingredients. This recipe uses vegetable (or chicken) stock for an instant flavor boost, along with Greek yogurt for richness and tang. My favorite part? The herb infused brown butter popcorn topping for an easy and delicious crunch. It’s truly corn on corn. And it’s perfect for fall entertaining. Serve it alongside the holiday turkey, or with braised short ribs or roast chicken. It’s also a perfect hearty vegetarian supper alongside a platter of roasted vegetables. Polenta can vary a bit, so add a bit more stock, butter or yogurt as needed for a smooth creamy consistency.

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Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

1 cup polenta
5 cups vegetable or chicken stock
½ tsp salt
1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, divided
¾ cup Greek yogurt
5-6 sage leaves
4-5 thyme stems
1 garlic clove, smashed
1 ½ cups popped popcorn

Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Olive oil, for finishing

METHOD

In a large pot, bring stock to a boil and slowly stream in polenta, whisking the entire time. Add salt and turn burner to low. Simmer for 45 minutes, whisking every 10 minutes or so, until polenta is creamy and smooth. If polenta gets too thick, add more broth or water, ¼ cup at a time. Note that when polenta cools down it will thicken further. Remove polenta from heat and stir in Greek yogurt, 4 tbsp butter and whisk until combined.

In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, add garlic clove, sage, thyme and remaining 4 tbsp butter. Melt until butter is nutty brown in color— approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove herbs and garlic. Reserve thyme leaves for garnish. Add popcorn to a medium bowl, drizzle with brown butter and toss to combine.

Transfer polenta to a serving dish, top with popcorn and sage leaves. Finish with flaky sea salt and olive oil and serve.

PS Note: Polenta can be made up to 2 days in advance. When ready to use heat over medium heat adding ¼ to ½ cup more stock or water as needed and whisking until smooth.