I am gone today to go visit the puppy that we get in early November. My mom went with me and we are going to taking in the Fall foliage, enjoy a ferry ride, drink too much coffee and going to peek at the little muffin headed baby cavalier that I can’t wait to get my hands on!
Pete, Pia, Coco and I all have a name list going right now, and there are some major name wars going on around here, namely (no pun intended!) between Pete and Pia. I can’t wait to see which little guy will be ours and what name will suite him best. I will let you know as soon as I do…
When I get back this afternoon, I am going to have to make a batch of this incredible Pumpkin Cheddar Polenta. It is unbelievably delicious. I know because I scarffed half of a pan down myself. Even the kids were willing to eat some of this (and its gluten free for Pia!) and everything else Pete and I devoured. You can also refrigerate leftovers and cut it into rounds and grill it or pan fry it!
I ate mine with just a little olive oil and some green onions, but I think it would be an amazing side for pork chops or a steak too. Add a kale salad and you have an incredible Autumn meal!
To make this Pumpkin, Cheddar Polenta this is what you do:
In a large deep sauté pan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the pumpkin and stir into the broth until it is well combined.
When the broth comes back to a simmer, pour in the polenta and stir until there are no lumps.
Now here comes the hard part. You pretty much have to continually stir the polenta for about 25 minutes. I added the water after 10 minutes and then let it cook down over the next 15 minutes. 5 minutes before the cooking time is done, stir in the butter.
When you have been cooking and stirring the polenta for about 25 minutes, taste the polenta to make sure that it is completely cooked and creamy in texture.
Add the cheese and stir until it is completely melted and creamy. Season to taste with kosher salt.
Serve in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of green onions.
(This becomes gluten free by using gluten free broth and polenta)
Recipe: Pumpkin, Cheddar Polenta
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (I used canned organic canned pumpkin)
- 1 cup polenta
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups sharp white cheddar, shredded
- Kosher salt
- A drizzle of olive oil and Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large deep sauté pan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the pumpkin and stir into the broth until it is well combined.
- When the broth comes back to a simmer, pour in the polenta and stir until there are no lumps.
- Now here comes the hard part. You pretty much have to continually stir the polenta for about 25 minutes. I added the water after 10 minutes and then let it cook down over the next 15 minutes. 5 minutes before the cooking time is done, stir in the butter.
- When you have been cooking and stirring the polenta for about 25 minutes, taste the polenta to make sure that it is completely cooked and creamy in texture.
- Add the cheese and stir until it is completely melted and creamy. Season to taste with kosher salt.
- Serve in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of green onions.
Preparation time: 2 minute(s)
Cooking time: 30 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 8
I just made pumpkin polenta and served it with some short ribs! It’s good! Love this recipe!
Have fun today! A new puppy is so exciting!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? They are the most adorable dogs ever! One lives next door named “Mimi”. Her antics are hysterical and she’s so sweet. What a perfect dog for the girls and you!
We are big fans of polenta in this house. I’ve never thought about putting cheddar in it and this sounds so good. I once had it with mascarpone and apricot jam. That was a dangerous combination.
Pumpkin polenta is a great idea!
Oh I can’t wait to “meet” your new little puppy and find out his name! This polenta looks so hearty and comforting!
Ohhh I love the sound of this. Also, I hope you post tons of pics of your new puppy!
How exciting!! I can’t wait to see the little pup on your site.
The soup looks and sounds crazy good !
I wish I could come over for lunch! Love this!
YAY!!!! So excited for y’all! And this polenta, heaven in a bowl!
A puuuuupppy!!!! Eep. So excited for you!
Fun recipe! Cant wait to see your new little puppy, and to find out his name! 🙂
Ooh, polenta with pumpkin? Yes please! This sounds like the perfect creamy background for a big plate of sauteed dark winter greens of some type, and maybe a fried egg.
Puppy visiting is so exciting!!! Also, love this!
Polenta & Pumpkin sign me UP!
Oh, I love this!
There’s nothing better than a cozy bowl of polenta!
Polenta is very under-used in the US and I don’t understand why. It’s inexpensive, delicious and as you have just pointed out with this incredible recipe, it is easy to cook and customize with seasonal ingredients. This is just a lovely, lovely recipe, Heather.
Can’t wait to see pictures of your new pup!
Love all these fall flavors Heather!
Oh what a great idea to use polenta ! I always just grill it in a pan, but I’m gonna try this recipe soon, thanks !
I love this idea, Heather! And can’t wait to hear who wins the naming war!
Love the awesome fall flavors you got going on! Love polenta – this looks fabulous! 🙂
holy moly I’d like this for dinner
Everything about this is perfect! I’m loving this recipe big time.
Thank you Rachel!
Oooo, this looks tremendous! Creamy, cheesy polenta holds a special place in my heart.