Polenta is a Northern Italian staple. It is an easy, satisfying side dish or can serve as a base for a wide variety of toppings - from a light spring vegetable ragout to hearty, meaty stews.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 1/2 cups broth or water
- 1 cup polenta
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan or other cheese (optional)
Preparation:
- In a medium saucepan, bring broth or water to a boil. With liquid boiling, sprinkle in polenta while stirring liquid. Stir in salt and keep stirring until entire mixture boils again. Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer and cover. Stir every few minutes until thick and tender (traditionally polenta is stirred constantly while cooking--go ahead and do this if you like, but it's not absolutely necessary).
- Stir in cheese, if you like. Adjust salt and cheese to taste. Serve hot or warm.
