Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- 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 and slowly whisk in 1 cup of polenta.
3. Reduce heat to low and stir continuously with a wooden spoon for 30-40 minutes until the polenta is thick and creamy.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and well combined.
5. Transfer the polenta to a serving dish and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
- Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Temperature:
- Low heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Polenta can be substituted with cornmeal.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to the polenta before serving.
- Top with a tomato sauce or meat ragu for a heartier dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Stir the polenta continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a whisk to incorporate the polenta into the water for a smoother texture.
- Add more water 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 a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the polenta in a shallow bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs
- Grated cheese
Pairings:
- Grilled meats
- Roasted vegetables
- Tomato sauce
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the polenta is too thick, add more water or milk to thin it out.
- If the polenta is too thin, continue cooking and stirring until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
- Use a clean wooden spoon to stir the polenta to prevent contamination.
Food history:
- Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Cheesy
- Savory
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish or side dish.
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Region: Italian