Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of coarse polenta
- 8 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 cup of grated Asiago cheese
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- Freshly ground black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
2. Slowly pour in 2 cups of coarse polenta while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Reduce heat to low and stir with a wooden spoon for about 40 minutes or until the polenta is cooked and has a creamy consistency.
4. Add 1 cup of grated Asiago cheese, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir until the cheese and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Low heat
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Coarse polenta can be substituted with regular polenta or cornmeal.
- Asiago cheese can be substituted with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with milk or half-and-half.
Variations:
- Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or garlic to the polenta for extra flavor.
- Top the polenta with tomato sauce, roasted vegetables, or grilled meat.
Tips and tricks:
- Whisk the polenta continuously while adding it to the boiling water to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the polenta to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Add more water or milk if the polenta becomes too thick.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the polenta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the polenta in individual bowls or on a platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Pairings:
- Serve with grilled meat, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Mixed green salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the polenta becomes too thick, add more water or milk to loosen it up.
- If the polenta becomes too thin, cook it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the polenta thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Cimbro-Style Polenta is a traditional dish from the Cimbrian region of Italy, which is located in the northeastern part of the country.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish or side dish.
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Region: Italian