Grits, Polenta and Cornmeal are all made from corn, but there are distinct differences in terms of taste, texture and preparation.

Grits are a type of cornmeal that is ground more finely than regular cornmeal. Grits are boiled in water or milk, then served with butter, salt and pepper. Grits are a common breakfast food in the Southern United States.

Polenta is made by boiling cornmeal in water or stock until it thickens, then serving it with cheese and butter. Polenta is a common dish in Northern Italy.

Cornmeal can be used to make either grits or polenta, or it can be baked into cornbread.

Shop at Bonnecaze Farms for freshly made Stoneground Grits, Polenta, and Cornmeal.

There are three types of cornmeal

There are three types of cornmeal – fine ground, medium ground, and coarse ground. Cornmeal can also be made into grits by grinding it more finely. Polenta is made by boiling cornmeal in water or stock until it thickens.

They differ in taste, texture and preparation

The three types of cornmeal have different textures and tastes. Fine ground cornmeal is more like flour, and it is used to make cornbread that is soft and fluffy. Medium ground cornmeal has a slightly coarser texture, and it is often used in batters for fried foods. Coarse ground cornmeal has the largest grain size, and it is used to make cornbread that is more dense and chewy.

Textures of Cornmeal

Best uses of grits, polenta, and cornmeal

The best uses of grits, polenta, and cornmeal vary depending on the type of cornmeal. Fine ground cornmeal is best used in batters for fried foods or in recipes where a soft and fluffy texture is desired, such as cornbread. Medium ground cornmeal is perfect for making dishes like hushpuppies, where a little bit of crunch is desired. Coarse ground cornmeal is great for things like savory pancakes, where a hearty texture is needed.

Polenta is best used when a creamy and thick consistency is desired, such as in dishes like mac and cheese. Cornbread can be made with any type of cornmeal, but coarse ground cornmeal will result in a more dense and chewy cornbread.

Cornmeal Waffles

How to cook grits, polenta, and cornmeal

The cooking instructions for each type of cornmeal vary slightly. Grits are usually boiled in water or milk and then served with butter, salt and pepper. Polenta is made by boiling cornmeal in water or stock until it thickens, then serving it with cheese and butter. Cornmeal can be used to make either grits or polenta, or it can be baked into cornbread.

When baking cornbread, the ratio of cornmeal to flour can be varied to achieve the desired texture. For a denser cornbread, use more cornmeal and less flour. For a lighter and fluffier cornbread, use more flour and less cornmeal.

The cooking time for cornbread also varies depending on the recipe. Some recipes call for pre-cooking the cornbread, while others do not. Pre-cooking the cornbread will result in a softer texture, while not pre-cooking it will result in a crunchier texture.

The type of milk used in the recipe can also affect the texture of the cornbread. For a richer cornbread, use whole milk. For a lighter cornbread, use skim milk or buttermilk.

Grilled Polenta

Favorite recipes for grits, polenta, and cornmeal

There are a variety of recipes that can be made with grits, polenta, and cornmeal. Grits can be used in dishes like shrimp and grits, Grits and Grillades, Grits au Gratin, or plain old Southern Style Grits. Polenta can be used in dishes like Polenta Lasagna, Grilled Polenta with Tomato Sauce, or Polenta Cake. Cornmeal can be used in dishes like Cornmeal Pancakes, Cornmeal Waffles, Fried Green Tomatoes, or Hushpuppies.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to recipes that can be made with grits, polenta, and cornmeal. These three ingredients are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a comforting dinner, grits, polenta, and cornmeal have you covered.

Shrimp and Grits

Conclusion

Grits, polenta, and cornmeal are all made from ground corn, but they have different textures and tastes. Grits are usually boiled in water or milk, then served with butter, salt and pepper. Polenta is made by boiling cornmeal in water or stock until it thickens, then serving it with cheese and butter. Cornmeal can be used to make either grits or polenta, or it can be baked into cornbread.

Grits, polenta, and cornmeal are all versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a comforting dinner, these three ingredients have you covered.

Shop at Bonnecaze Farms for Grits, Polenta, Cornmeal and other delicious Southern staples!