Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Freshly ground black pepper
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Serving dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
3. Slowly pour 1 cup of polenta into the boiling water, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until it becomes thick and creamy.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
6. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the polenta to a serving dish and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Temperature:
Low heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 240
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 670mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Polenta can be substituted with grits or cornmeal.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil or vegetable oil.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to the polenta for extra flavor.
- Top the polenta with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Tips and Tricks:
- Whisk the polenta constantly while pouring it into the boiling water to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the polenta while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
Storage Instructions:
- Leftover polenta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat the polenta, add a splash of water or milk to the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the polenta in a shallow bowl or on a plate.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or grated cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Grated cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the polenta becomes too thick, add a splash of water or milk to thin it out.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the polenta thoroughly to prevent any risk of foodborne illness.
Food History:
- Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal.
Flavor Profiles:
- Creamy
- Savory
- Cheesy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course.
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Region: Italian