Basic Polenta

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring water to a boil in a large heavy pot. Add salt and reduce heat until water is simmering.

2. 2

   Take cornmeal by the handful and add to water very slowly, controlling the flow to a thin stream through your fingers.

3. 3

   To avoid lumps, stir quickly with a long-handled wooden spoon while adding cornmeal. If necessary, stop adding cornmeal from time to time and beat mixture vigorously.

4. 4

   Cook, stirring constantly, 20 to 30 minutes. Polenta will become very thick while cooking.

5. 5

   It is done when it comes away cleanly from the sides of the pot.

6. 6

   Pour polenta into a large wooden board or large platter. Wet your hands and smooth out polenta evenly, about 2 inches thick.

7. 7

   Let cool 5 to 10 minutes or until polenta solidifies. Cut into slices.

8. 8

   Serve hot, covered with your favorite sauce.

9. 9

   Variation: Fried Polenta — prepare as above, let cool completely, cut into slices, and fry in 1 inch of oil until golden.