1 Cup Dry Polenta / Corn Grits (160g) = 3 cups Cooked
1 US cup (160 grams) of uncooked polenta / corn grits yields 3 cups (672 grams) cooked after standard stove-top preparation in water or broth—a verified 3× volume expansion and 4.2× weight multiplier providing roughly 3.7 standard cooked servings.
Whisk coarse cornmeal slowly into simmering salted water or milk to prevent clumping. Cook on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently until creamy.
Method note: Whisk coarse cornmeal slowly into simmering salted water or milk to prevent clumping. Cook on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently until creamy.
Polenta / Corn Grits Batch Yield Reference Chart
| Uncooked (dry) | Uncooked Grams | Cooked Volume | Cooked Weight | Est. Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ cup | 80 g | 1 ½ cups | 336 g (11.85 oz) | ~1.9 |
| 1 cup | 160 g | 3 cups | 672 g (23.7 oz) | ~3.7 |
| 1 ½ cups | 240 g | 4 ½ cups | 1008 g (35.56 oz) | ~5.6 |
| 2 cups | 320 g | 6 cups | 1344 g (47.41 oz) | ~7.5 |
| 3 cups | 480 g | 9 cups | 2016 g (71.11 oz) | ~11.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cooked polenta comes from 1 cup dry cornmeal? ▾
1 cup (160g) of dry polenta/corn grits absorbs 4 cups of liquid, yielding roughly 3 cups (~670g) of velvety, thick cooked porridge.
What is the secret to lump-free polenta? ▾
Gradually rain the dry cornmeal into boiling salted liquid in a thin, continuous stream while whisking constantly with the other hand.