Place the water, and salt into a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Gradually whisk in the Polenta. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens and the Polenta is tender, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the butter, and stir until melted.*
If desired, stir in your favorite cheese (Parmesan, cheddar) in with the butter. * Serve with a red sauce for an Italian cuisine, or with beans for a Mexican cuisine. * Top with roasted vegetables. * Or a combination of the suggestions above! * Spoon into a low sided pan and let set. When set cut into squares or triangles to serve as is or to grill/fry and top with cheese, tomatoes, herbs, chili, etc!
Classic Italian Polenta was turned out onto a wooden board and formed into a round ‘loaf’ and cut with a thin string into small ‘blocks’ and topped with a marinara or meat sauce.
Notes
Adapted from Food Network’s Giada De Laurentiis’ recipe.
