I have never been a fan of polenta until NOW. This Smoked Jalapeno Polenta is the bees knees and I can’t wait to share the recipe with you!
I’ve made polenta a ton because my husband absolutely loves it. But I never grew up eating it, and when I did have it it was always too gritty for me. Then a few years ago I learned how to correctly make it so that it is oh, so, smooth, and oh, so, deliciously NOT gritty!
Here’s the 2 secrets to making the BEST polenta.
- Making sure you have the right ratio of water (or broth) to polenta. I do a 3-1 ratio.
- Letting it cook down. Polenta takes time, but it’s so so worth it! I promise!
Of course you all know by now that in the recipe instructions I will have the regular oven version for all of you who don’t have a smoker or who just don’t want to turn their ol’ smoker on! You can also do this on a grill or over a fire if you are camping!!
Alright, I’m so ready to share the recipe with you and I know you all have been dying to get it ever since I gave a little sneak peek on my INSTAGRAM.
Ingredients
- 2 cups polenta
- 6 cups water or broth
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepperjack cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- OPTIONAL: 1 4 oz jar of diced pimentos, drained, sliced jalapenos for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot add in your 6 cups water (or broth) and 2 cups polenta. Stir to combine and place stove on medium heat.
- Stir polenta every few minutes until it's nice and thick and starts to pull away from the sides of the pot when you stir. About 30 minutes.
- Next add in your chopped jalapeno, shredded cheese, pimentos (if using) and sea salt. Mix to fully combine and then pour into a cast iron skillet.
- Add slices of jalapenos and a little more shredded cheese to the top
- Turn smoker onto 375 degrees.
- Once hot, place 12 inch cast iron skillet onto middle of the grill.
- Close lid and let smoke for 20 minutes until cheese is nice and melted on top.
- Carefully remove and enjoy warm!
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Place oven safe skillet into the oven and cook for 20 minutes.
- Turn oven to broil (high) and let broil for 2 more minutes until top is slightly golden brown.
- Serve hot!
Are you a polenta fan? What sort of things do you like to add into your polenta?
Whole30: no
Paleo: no
