Italian > Savory > Polenta

Moncenisio Polenta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Moncenisio cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Serving dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, 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 pot while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir the polenta with a wooden spoon for 20-25 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Add 1/2 cup of grated Moncenisio cheese and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pot and stir until the cheese and butter are fully melted and incorporated into the polenta.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and let the polenta rest for 5 minutes.
7. Transfer the polenta to a serving dish and garnish with additional grated Moncenisio cheese if desired.


Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Low heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat per serving: 10g
Carbohydrates per serving: 30g
Protein per serving: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Moncenisio cheese can be substituted with Parmesan cheese or any other hard cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the polenta for additional flavor.
- Top the polenta with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Add cooked sausage or bacon to the polenta for a meaty option.

Tips and tricks:
- Whisk the polenta constantly while adding it to the boiling water to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the polenta while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Let the polenta rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to thicken and set.

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 polenta and heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the polenta in a shallow bowl or on a plate and garnish with additional grated Moncenisio cheese and chopped herbs.

Garnishes:
Grated Moncenisio cheese, chopped herbs such as thyme or rosemary

Pairings:
- Serve the polenta with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair the polenta with a glass of red wine such as Barbera or Nebbiolo.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Side salad
- Grilled chicken or steak

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the polenta is too thick, add a splash of water or milk to thin it out.
- If the polenta is too thin, continue to cook it on low heat until it thickens to the desired consistency.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the polenta on low heat to prevent it from boiling over and causing burns.
- Store leftover polenta in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
Moncenisio cheese is a hard cheese made from cow's milk and is named after the Moncenisio Pass in the Italian Alps. Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal.

Flavor profiles:
The Moncenisio cheese adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the polenta, while the butter adds richness and creaminess.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Moncenisio Polenta as a side dish or as a main course with additional toppings such as sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Herby, Oniony, Garlicky, Cheesy, Earthy