Polenta is a type of maize porridge made from ground yellow or white cornmeal (ground maize). The coarseness of the grind can vary depending on the dish and the region. Grits, for instance, which are popular in the Southern USA are made from a more coarsely ground corn meal. Originally polenta was a rather bland peasant food, a type of corn mush, commonly eaten since Roman times. But recently polenta has been popularized in more exciting and tasty recipes which make use of fried or grilled polenta combined with cheeses and tomato sauces. Read more »