Introduction
On Christmas Eve, NEA prepares food differently.
There is no hurry, no excess, no need to impress. Outside, the light fades early, and the world grows quieter. Inside, a small pot warms gently on the stove, almond milk slowly thickening into polenta as if time itself has softened. This is how NEA marks the season—not with abundance, but with presence.
Creamy Almond Polenta with Winter Citrus was born from this moment of stillness. The polenta is cooked until it becomes spoon-soft and luminous, enriched with almond milk for calm and steadiness. Over it, winter citrus is placed carefully, not stirred in, as if each segment were a small constellation—bright, precise, alive against the pale gold beneath. A few drops of fragrant olive oil catch the light, finishing the dish like quiet starlight.
This is a Christmas bowl meant for listening—to the body, to the season, to the subtle return of warmth. It honors winter not by resisting it, but by moving gently within it. In this dish, comfort and clarity meet, reminding us that nourishment need not be loud to be profound.
Cultural Significance and Modern Adaptations
In Italian households, polenta is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural touchstone, symbolizing warmth and hospitality. Often served at family gatherings, it embodies the essence of shared meals and conviviality. Today, chefs worldwide have embraced polenta’s versatility, experimenting with ingredients and techniques to create innovative variations. Our recipe draws inspiration from this spirit of innovation, enhancing traditional polenta with the creamy richness of almond milk and the aromatic allure of spices, offering a modern twist on a beloved classic.
Exploring Unique Ingredients
Fine Corn Polenta
The foundation of our dish is fine corn polenta, chosen for its ability to achieve a smooth, almost ethereal consistency. Unlike coarser varieties, fine polenta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an ideal canvas for culinary creativity. Its mild taste allows other ingredients to shine, providing a subtle, comforting backdrop to the vibrant citrus topping.
Unsweetened Almond Milk
Almond milk adds a layer of nutty richness to the polenta, enhancing its creaminess without overpowering its delicate flavor. This plant-based milk not only aligns with modern dietary preferences but also adds a nuanced depth that complements the citrus elements beautifully. A touch of butter or olive oil introduces a silky mouthfeel, balancing the dish with a hint of indulgence.
Winter Citrus Constellation
The topping of blood orange or cara cara orange segments brings a burst of color and flavor, transforming the dish into a visual and gustatory delight. These citrus fruits, known for their sweet-tart complexity, offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy polenta. A scattering of crushed pistachios or almonds adds a satisfying crunch, while the zest of orange or mandarin infuses the dish with a fragrant brightness.
How to Make Creamy Almond Polenta with Winter Citrus
Description
Silky almond polenta meets the bright flavors of winter citrus, enhanced by a touch of orange blossom and a hint of vanilla-infused olive oil.
Ingredients
Instructions
Base: Almond Polenta
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Prepare Almond Polenta
In a medium saucepan, combine fine corn polenta with unsweetened almond milk over medium heat. Stir gently to incorporate.
Use oat milk as an alternative if desired.
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Cook Until Silky
Add a touch of butter or olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Stir continuously, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and silky.
Cook until the polenta is spoon-soft, not thick.
Topping: Winter Citrus Constellation
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Prepare Citrus Segments
Gently segment blood oranges or cara cara oranges, being careful to remove all the pith.
Use whichever orange variety is available or preferred.
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Add Crunch
Crush a few pistachios or almonds and sprinkle them over the citrus segments.
The nuts add a delightful texture contrast.
Finish: White Gold Oil
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Infuse Olive Oil
If desired, infuse extra virgin olive oil with a vanilla bean or rosemary, but not both.
Choose one infusion for a subtle aromatic note
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.Drizzle Lightly
Drizzle just a few drops of the White Gold Oil over the assembled dish.
This step is about adding a light finish, not additional fat.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1304.25kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 71.63g111%
- Saturated Fat 7.93g40%
- Sodium 693.61mg29%
- Potassium 447.99mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 145.85g49%
- Dietary Fiber 6.66g27%
- Sugars 5.21g
- Protein 20.83g42%
- Vitamin A 599.38 IU
- Vitamin C 17.82 mg
- Calcium 634.91 mg
- Iron 2.6 mg
- Vitamin E 8.93 mg
- Vitamin K 35.81 mcg
- Thiamin 0.38 mg
- Riboflavin 0.11 mg
- Niacin 2.34 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.53 mg
- Folate 25.09 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 202.73 mg
- Magnesium 67.77 mg
- Zinc 1.07 mg
- Selenium 30.35 mcg
- Copper 0.34 mg
- Manganese 0.4 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use fine corn polenta for a velvety texture.
- Opt for unsweetened almond milk, though oat milk is a viable substitute.
- Incorporate a touch of butter or olive oil to enrich the base.
- Season with a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavor.
- For a subtle aromatic depth, consider a very light dusting of ground cardamom.
- Cook the polenta until it reaches a silky, spoon-soft consistency, avoiding thickness.
- Select blood orange or cara cara orange segments for vibrant color and flavor.
- Sprinkle a few crushed pistachios or almonds for added texture and nuttiness.
- Add zest of orange or mandarin to brighten the dish.
- Optionally, include 1–2 drops of orange blossom water for an aromatic flourish.
- Arrange toppings gently over the polenta to maintain their integrity.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to finish.
- For an optional infusion, choose between vanilla bean or rosemary; use sparingly for subtlety.
- Just a few drops of infused oil should suffice, aiming for a light touch rather than richness.
