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Sage Polenta

This creamy sage polenta is a classic Italian-inspired side dish that brings a sense of rustic comfort to any table. By slow-cooking the coarse grains until they reach a velvety consistency, you create a beautiful canvas for the earthy, aromatic notes of fresh sage. The addition of butter at the end ensures a glossy finish and a rich, savoury depth that complements a wide range of main courses.

As a versatile vegetarian option, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings when you need something substantial yet refined. It pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or a hearty Mediterranean stew. High in fibre and naturally warming, this homemade polenta is a reliable staple for those looking to expand their repertoire of simple, wholesome grains.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Sage Polenta

  • 1200ml water, plus more as needed

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 240ml coarse Italian polenta

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat, then add 2 teaspoons salt. Whisking constantly, add polenta in a slow, steady stream and return to a boil. Reduce heat to a very low simmer. Cover partially; cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is creamy and starting to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 40 minutes, adding sage in last 5 minutes. If polenta is too thick to stir, add more water (up to 120ml ), a little at a time, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat. Stir in butter, and season with pepper and more salt, as desired. Serve hot.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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