Polenta Budino With Plum Marmellata

A luxurious Italian-inspired dessert featuring creamy polenta pudding topped with a homemade plum compote and vanilla ice cream. The rich, cornmeal-based budino is complemented by the sweet-tart plum marmellata for a sophisticated dessert.

6 servings
1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

  • ½ cup coarse-grind polenta
  • cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 whole ripe plums
  • 1 pint vanilla ice cream

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisking constantly, gradually add polenta; whisk until smooth. Reduce heat to low and cook polenta, whisking and breaking up any lumps, until thickened, about 3 minutes. Whisk in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt (mixture will loosen) and cook, whisking often, until mixture thickens again and polenta is tender, 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter.

    30 min

  2. 2.

    Whisk egg yolk and cream in a small bowl to combine, then vigorously whisk into polenta. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto surface. Let cool.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Bring sugar, lemon juice, salt, and half of plums to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened and some of the fruit is starting to fall apart, 10-15 minutes.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Mix half of the remaining plums into marmellata and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but still holding their shape, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in remaining plums. Cover marmellata and let cool.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Stir polenta to loosen and smooth out any lumps. Spoon into bowls and top each serving with some marmellata and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Polenta can be made 2 days ahead. Chill. Bring to room temperature before serving. Marmellata can be made 3 days ahead. Chill.