Creamy Pumpkin Polenta

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Sep. 01, 2023
Sometimes I like to hollow out a pumpkin and serve this creamy, hearty polenta inside it. The salted pumpkin seeds add a fun crunch. —Debi George, Mansfield, Texas
Creamy Pumpkin Polenta Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 5-1/3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/3 cups yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed
  • Salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas, optional

Directions

  1. In a large heavy saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to a gentle boil; slowly whisk in cornmeal and nutmeg. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon for 15-20 minutes or until polenta is thickened and pulls away cleanly from the side of the pan. Stir in pumpkin and cream cheese until smooth. Sprinkle each serving with pumpkin seeds if desired.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 191 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.