How To Make Perfect Polenta

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 cup polenta
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, plus more for garnish

Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 35 mins Ready Time: 55 mins


• bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until all polenta is stirred in and there are no lumps.
• reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often, until polenta starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. polenta mixture should still be slightly loose. cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 to 6 minutes. when polenta is too thick to whisk, stir with a wooden spoon. polenta is done when texture is creamy and the individual grains are tender.
• turn off heat and gently stir 2 tablespoons butter into polenta until butter partially melts; mix 1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese into polenta until cheese has melted. cover and let stand 5 minutes to thicken; stir and taste for salt before transferring to a serving bowl. top polenta with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese for garnish.