Description
Polenta is simply cornmeal that has been roughly ground. The traditional proportion is 1 part polenta to 4 parts water, but I prefer to use a scant 1/4 cup of polenta. Instead of water, I frequently use chicken broth. It’s the ideal foundation for any spicy beef or mushroom ragout.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil; gently add polenta into boiling water, stirring continually until all polenta is incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes, or until polenta begins to thicken. The polenta should still be a little loose. Cook for 30 minutes with the lid on, whisking every 5 to 6 minutes. When the polenta becomes too thick to whisk, use a wooden spoon to stir it. When the texture of the polenta is creamy and the individual grains are soft, it is ready.
- Remove from heat and slowly toss in 2 tablespoons butter until butter is mostly melted; stir in 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until it has melted. Allow 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken before stirring and tasting for salt before transferring to a serving bowl. To serve, drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over the polenta and sprinkle with roughly 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Notes
Cooking time will vary depending on how finely the polenta is ground, so keep that in mind.
- Category: side dish
- Method: mix
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 291 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1186.1mg
- Fat: 14.7g
- Saturated Fat: 8.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Protein: 9.2g
- Cholesterol: 33.4mg