Originating in Northern Italy, polenta has gone on to have a place in cuisines around the world. While all of these recipes may not be strictly Italian, they all hint at the mother land and are too delicious to ignore.
By Ashley Wiggins
Shutterstock: Melica 
Originating in Northern Italy, polenta has gone on to have a place in cuisines around the world. While all of these recipes may not be strictly Italian, they all hint at the mother land and are too delicious to ignore. Try making a large batch of polenta and try a couple of these ideas throughout a busy week.
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Butternut Squash Polenta With Sausage and Onion
If you’ve yet to fall in love with butternut squash , this is the recipe that is sure to win you over. The creaminess of the of the polenta and the bite from the hot Italian sausage are perfect with fall’s favorite gourd. Luckily, most supermarkets carry frozen butternut squash, so you can enjoy this dish year-round. Find the recipe here.
www.foodandwine.com
Soft Polenta with Mixed Mushrooms and Gremolata
Earthy mushrooms make the perfect meat stand-in in this instant-classic recipe. And the sautéed greens atop the cheesy polenta ensure that you’ll get all the nutrients—and flavor—you need in one dish. Find the recipe here.
www.marthastewart.com
Baked Polenta with Sausage and Artichoke Hearts
Precooked tubes of polenta, jarred artichokes and your favorite Italian sausage make this one-pan dish elegant and super easy. Find the recipe here.
www.ohmyveggies.com
Sage Polenta Bowls With Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Wild Mushrooms
Kiersten at Oh My Veggies whipped up this easy, rustic and comforting vegetarian dinner that is sure to please meat eaters too. Wild mushrooms provide texture and umami, and the polenta is the perfect vehicle for the distinct flavor of sage. Find the recipe here.
www.halfbakedharvest.com
Jalapeno Popper Cheddar Polenta Pot Pies
This recipe is the perfect mashup of an easy, comforting, veggie-packed pot pie and a cheesy jalapeño popper. Do all the prep in advance so it’s ready to “pop” in the oven on busy weeknights. Find the recipe here.
www.foodily.com
Lemon and Fennel Roasted Lamb with Polenta
A garnish of chopped parsley and horseradish perks up this delicious dish of thinly sliced lamb on creamy polenta that is perfect for a Sunday dinner with friends and family. Find the recipe here.
www.feastingathome.com
Polenta Skillet Eggs with Chorizo
The baked eggs and sausage combo in this dish will make you automatically think “breakfast.” But the easy, one-skillet prep and bold flavors will have you serving this up well past morning. Find the recipe here.
www.bonappetit.com
Lamb Shoulder with Polenta and Beans
Who says polenta is peasant food? The lamb and bean ragout instantly elevate, and the set-it-and-forget-it cooking method makes this dish perfect for entertaining. Find the recipe here.
www.willcookforfriends.com
Creamy Cheddar Polenta with Pesto and Oven-Roasted Tomatoes
There are few things more comforting than a bowl of creamy, cheesy polenta, and the addition of fresh, summer basil and oven-roasted cherry tomatoes enhances without overpowering. Find the recipe here.
www.playfulcooking.com
Polenta with Crispy Peas and Roasted Shrimp
Consider this recipe a modern take on shrimp and grits that you’ll go back to again and again—and there’s just enough green vegetable in the mix to make you feel good when you’re doing it. Find the recipe here.
I just ate lunch but after reading that I could eat again.