Homemade Polenta

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 9 cups cold water
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 cups cornmeal

Recipe

• 1 bring the water to a boil in a medium pan. add salt reduce heat to medium low. as soon as the water begins to simmer, start pouring in the cornmeal in a thin stream, very slowly while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps. once all the cornmeal has been added, keep the water at a simmer, and stir frequently. should take between 25-30 minutes to fully cook once it is cooked, it should pull away from the sides of the pot easily.
• 2 variations:.
• 3 soft polenta: use polenta directly out of the pot, topped with sauce or vegetables as desired. scoop a good portion on a plate, let it sit for a minute or two. next top the polenta with a scoop of your favorite sauce. add grated parmesan cheese to the polenta and sauce.
• 4 firm polenta: after it is completely cooked, place on wooden board or a greased baking sheet 2 inches thick and allow to set. cut into squares.
• 5 baked polenta: cut firm polenta into slices, place in a buttered baking dish. add favorite topping, bake at 375°f till golden.
• 6 grilled polenta: cut firm polenta into squares, brush with oil and grill lightly on both sides.
• 7 fried polenta: cut the firm polenta into slices and fry in a few inches of hot oil till golden brown and crispy.