How to make Polenta with Flaxseeds
Polenta with Flaxseeds is one way to enjoy a delicious dish of cornmeal without worrying about texture. The polenta is soft even after reheating.
I know what you are thinking, Polenta with Flaxseed? My Cornmeal dish was inspired by Tatie (my aunt). My aunt always eats her oatmeal with Flaxseed almost every day. So I got the idea of mixing Polenta with Flaxseed from my aunt.
When you mix oatmeal with Flaxseed, the texture is gooier, and the oatmeal does not lose its taste. So one day, that got me thinking. What about if I mix the Flaxseed with the cornmeal? Would the cornmeal retains its softness, or would it become hard when cold?
What is flaxseed and its benefits?
The Medical News Today describes Flaxseed as a plant-based food that provides healthful fat, antioxidants, and fiber.
Flaxseed is available in many forms. You can purchase the seeds in raw form as well as powder form. If you which to bake, no problem, you will also find it in flour form. Check out Amazon to compare prices. You can also purchase Flaxseed in tablets and capsules.
Flaxseed is full of healthy nutrients and antioxidants and is considered a “superfood.” It is high in fiber and used as a dietary supplement to prevent constipation, diabetes, manage high cholesterol, manage heart disease, and several other conditions.
What is Polenta (cornmeal) and its benefits
Polenta is cooked cornmeal. Cornmeal is a good source of fiber and protein. It helps manage constipation, is rich in complex carbohydrates, and is low in fat and calories. Cornmeal is very versatile. It is used in the preparation of a variety of bread, baked goods, and desserts.
How to make Polenta with Flaxseeds
To make the dish, you will first need the following ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
- Olive oil, a good brand
- Onion: choose white or red
- Fresh garlic clove
- Kosher Salt
- Whole Ground Yellow Cornmeal
- Water: room temperature water is always good
- Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a heavy pot over medium heat, add oil, olive, garlic, and onion and let cook for 2-3 minutes, just enough time to release its flavor.
- Add the salt and the cornmeal and stir to mix. While stirring with either a wooden spoon or a whisk, slowly add the water.
- Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. When the cornmeal starts to boil, uncover and stir slowly. Lower the heat, add the ground flaxseed and stir.
- Every 3 – 4 minutes, make sure you stir the corneal, so it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- The cooking time will differ depending on the brand. (Make sure you read the instructions) It may take 15 minutes to 1 hour for the cornmeal to cook, and cooking time depends on the grains’ sizes. The coarser the grain, the longer it will take to cook.
- Add additional water if necessary.
- Season to taste. Serve hot
Notes and Tips
- For this recipe, I used Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal, which can be found in the organic section of your supermarket. Most nutrition experts recommend ground over whole flaxseed because the ground form is easier for your body to digest. However, whole flaxseed may pass through your intestine undigested, which means you won’t get all the benefits.
- Polenta is made with whole-grain yellow cornmeal. When cooking polenta, the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and texture. Make sure you choose a trusted brand of cornmeal.
- This dish may be a little too healthy for some, but this is one of the best ways to incorporate flaxseed into your meal. Also, when Polenta with Flaxseed is re-heated, it becomes soft again. No need to add more water.
- Enjoy this dish with meat or vegetable stew or even with avocado. Any Haitian will tell you that it is best to eat polenta is with avocado. The two go very well with each other.
Other Cornmeal Recipes Ideas to try
Sources
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263405
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319798#what-is-polenta
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flaxseed/AN01258
Polenta with Flaxseed
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup whole ground yellow cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons whole ground flaxseed meal
Instructions
- In a heavy bottom pot over medium heat, add oil, garlic and onion and let cook for 1-2 minutes. Add salt and cornmeal and stir. While stirring with either a wooden spoon or a whisk, slowly add water. Cove and bring to a boil. When it starts, to boil, uncover and stir. Lower heat add flaxseed, and stir. Every 3 – 4 minutes, make sure you stir the corneal so it does not stick in the bottom of the pan. The cooking time may be different depending on the brand. It may take 15 minutes to 1 hour for the cornmeal to cook and again depending on size. The coarser the grain is the longer it will take to cook. Add additional water if necessary. Season to taste. Serve hot
Notes
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
Originally published May 29, 2014. Updated to include additional content.
