Creamy Butternut Squash Polenta

Name: Creamy Butternut Squash Polenta
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 5 tbsp unsalted butter, (divided); 1 cup very finely chopped yellow onion, (from one small onion); 4½ cups whole milk; 1 (12-oz) package frozen butternut squash or winter squash purée (about 1½ cups), thawed (see note); 1½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; ¾ cup instant polenta or fine yellow cornmeal; ¼ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano; Finely chopped fresh herbs, (for serving (optional))

This creamy butternut squash polenta makes a comforting side dish to any sauce-laden roast or stew.

⏱ 20 min 📊 Easy 🍽 4 servings 👁 8

Ingredients

4 servings

5 tbsp unsalted butter, (divided)
1 cup very finely chopped yellow onion, (from one small onion)
4½ cups whole milk
1 (12-oz) package frozen butternut squash or winter squash purée (about 1½ cups), thawed (see note)
1½ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¾ cup instant polenta or fine yellow cornmeal
¼ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano
Finely chopped fresh herbs, (for serving (optional))

Instructions

Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Do not brown.
Add the squash, milk, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and slowly add the cornmeal in a thin stream while whisking continuously. (I find it easiest to lightly tap the measuring cup of polenta against the pot so that it sprinkles in.) Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently with a whisk, for about 5 minutes or until polenta is smooth and thickened.
Remove from the heat and stir in cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Serve immediately topped with a bit of butter, more cheese, and herbs (if using). If serving later, place a piece of plastic wrap directly over the polenta to prevent a film from forming and reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve. (You will need to whisk well and add some water or milk to thin it out to the desired consistency when you reheat it.)

Nutrition per serving

324kcal

💰 Cost Estimate

Total Ingredients
$358.00

Per Serving
$90.00/serving

🏠 Savings
~$716.00 vs buying!

📋 Price Breakdown (78% ingredients detected)

Ingredient	Amount	Subtotal
unsalted butter	5 tbsp	$82.00
very finely chopped yellow onion	1 cup	$117.00
whole milk	4.5 cups	$48.00
	1	-
salt	1.5 tsp	$2.00
freshly ground black pepper	0.25 tsp	$6.00
instant polenta or fine yellow cornmeal	0.75 cup	$70.00
finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano	0.25 cup	$33.00
Finely chopped fresh herbs	-	-