Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of polenta
- 4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of grated Toma Lucana cheese
- 1/4 cup of butter
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Baking 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 boiling water, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir the polenta with a wooden spoon for 20-25 minutes, or until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Toma Lucana cheese and 1/4 cup of butter until they are fully incorporated.
6. Pour the polenta into a greased baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula.
7. Allow the polenta to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Low heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toma Lucana cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil or vegan butter.
Variations:
- Add chopped herbs such as rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Top with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Add cooked sausage or bacon for a meat option.
Tips and tricks:
- Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the polenta to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Allow the polenta to cool slightly before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat leftover polenta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to prevent it from drying out.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the polenta in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Top with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil
- 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:
- Roasted vegetables
- Side salad
- Grilled chicken or steak
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the polenta is too thick, add more water or milk to thin it out.
- If the polenta is too thin, continue to cook it on low heat until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the polenta thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or main course.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbaceous, Earthy, Aromatic