Pumpkin Polenta with Sage Butter: A Cozy Fall Delight Recipe
A comforting and flavorful fall dish featuring creamy pumpkin-infused polenta topped with rich sage butter. This cozy recipe blends sweet pumpkin puree and aromatic spices into smooth polenta, finished with crispy sage leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Polenta Base
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Sage Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves
Finishing
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Additional Parmesan cheese or toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium saucepan, combine the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Polenta: Gradually whisk the cornmeal into the simmering broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for 10-15 minutes until polenta thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, creating a creamy texture.
- Mix in Pumpkin and Seasonings: Stir in the pumpkin puree, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. If using, add grated Parmesan cheese to enhance creaminess. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even incorporation and warmth.
- Prepare Sage Butter: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the fresh sage leaves and cook until the butter turns a golden brown and the sage leaves become crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Be attentive to avoid burning by adjusting heat as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the warm pumpkin polenta into bowls or onto plates. Drizzle with the prepared sage butter, ensuring to distribute some crispy sage leaves atop. For an elevated flavor, lightly drizzle with olive oil.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for extra texture and flavor if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for a more natural flavor or canned pumpkin puree for convenience.
- Keep stirring the polenta frequently to avoid lumps and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- For a vegan version, omit Parmesan and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Sage butter can be made in advance and reheated gently before serving.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
Keywords: pumpkin polenta, sage butter, fall recipe, creamy polenta, autumn side dish, vegetarian polenta, cozy fall meal
