If youve recently found yourself stuck in the grocery store aisle trying to choose between polenta and grits, were here to help. With its many uses, corn is one of the most popular veggies. Its gluten free, low-allergen nature means that it can be used to create meals that everyone can enjoy. Though both are made from corn, polenta and grits have unique qualities and are often used in entirely different ways. Continue scrolling to discover the difference between grits and polenta to better understand how you can use each to create delicious meals.
Polenta, a dish made of boiled cornmeal, is a type of porridge that originated in Northern Italy. Though its not an everyday meal in the United States, it is a staple in the weekly menus of many Italian Americans. So, is polenta gluten free? Yes, if it is packaged and processed in a gluten free facility to avoid cross contamination. Made of coarse yellow cornmeal, polenta is often served as a soft, thick mush and topped with sauces, gravies, ragu and cheese. It can even be made into a polenta pizza.
Grits, also made from corn, are often made from a specific type of corn—dent corn. Dent corn is a mildly sweet and starchy corn, and when turned into polenta, is put through a process of soaking and drying. This process takes several days and allows the rigid hull of the corn to be removed, resulting in a grain known as hominy. When purchasing grits, youll notice a few different varieties on shelves: hominy, white corn and yellow corn. A common ingredient in Southern cuisine, grits are used to create everything from a modest breakfast to an elaborate entree.
Since polenta and grits are both made from ground corn, you can use them interchangeably. Bear in mind that grits are higher in starch than polenta, so if you sub in polenta for grits, you won’t have to stir it as frequently, but it won’t cook up as creamy as grits.
The Main Differences Between Grits and Polenta
So how do they differ? There are many theories why polenta and grits produce such different dishes. Some people believe its due to the region where theyre grown, while others think its the type of corn used.
Geography plays a role when labeling these ingredients and the dishes theyre used in. Polenta is an Italian dish, whereas grits are a dish attributed to the American South. This being so, each region can accurately identify each, and it will be hard to pass off grits as polenta to an Italian cook and vice versa.
Lastly, packaging also takes part in how these ingredients can be distinguished. For example, Grits are generally sold as coarse cornmeal in a box or bag. Polenta, however, can be sold in a bag, pre-cooked, shaped, flavored and thickened into a tube-like shape thats ready for slicing and heating.
Three Bean Chili Polenta Pot Pie
If youre searching for a filling and creamy dinner thats sure to satisfy everyone at the table, start by making this Three Bean Chili Polenta Pot Pie Recipe. Made in just half an hour, from start to finish, this dish swaps out meat for beans to create a vegetarian spin on the traditional version. That being so, ground beef or chopped chicken can be added for an extra dose of flavor and protein. Made by combining chili with a polenta topping, its hearty, delicious, and ideal for serving multiple guests.
Easy Grits from Scratch (the BEST grits!!)
FAQ
What is the difference between polenta and grits?
What is a good substitute for polenta?
What is Italian grits called?
Are grits and cornmeal interchangeable?
What grits do you use for polenta?
Some claim that grits are only made with white corn, and that polenta has a finer grind size. Use quality, stone-ground grits. This is the most important thing: skip quick-cooking or instant grits for this cooking method (and for Instant Pot grits, as well). They simply do not have the depth of flavor of stone-ground grits.
Is it good to have grits?
Grits is typically a porridge made out of corn meal. As corn kernels are highly processed to turn into fine powder, simple carbohydrates are present dominantly in grits. Hence, its not recommended for individuals with insulin sensitivity, diabetes and obesity. Besides, grits can be consumed occasionally only, say 30 grams of serve per week.
Are grits better than polenta?
Grits tend to have a more pronounced corn flavor than polenta, particularly stone-ground grits. Flint corn has a lower starch content than dent corn, so polenta doesn’t need to be stirred as frequently as grits during cooking. Since flint corn contains less starch than dent corn, polenta isn’t as creamy as grits when boiled.
Are grits and polenta made from ground corn?
Well, no, although country of origin does play a part in the history of the Italian and American iterations of ground corn. Yes, both grits and polenta are made from ground corn, but the main difference here is what type of corn.