Name: Polenta with Parmesan and Butter
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: ItalianEurope
Ingredients: 6 cups water; Table salt; 1 1/2 cups medium-grind cornmeal , preferably stone-ground; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter , cut into large chunks, plus more for final serving; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese , plus more for final serving; Ground black pepper

Why This Recipe Works

Our goal when developing our polenta recipe was to find a simple, foolproof method for fluffy, creamy polenta, achieved without lumps or constant stirring. We found that a heavy-bottomed saucepan on the stove's lowest possible setting (or in conjunction with a flame tamer) shielded the polenta from cooking too rapidly. Keeping the cover on the pot held in moisture and reduced the risk of scorching the polenta, even when we stirred infrequently.

Before You Begin

If you do not have a heavy-bottomed saucepan, you may want to use a flame tamer to manage the heat. A flame tamer can be purchased at most kitchen supply stores, or one can be fashioned from a ring of foil. It's easy to tell whether you need a flame tamer or not. If the polental bubbles or sputters at all after the first 10 minutes, the heat is too high, and you need one. Properly heated polenta will do little more than release wisps of steam. When stirring the polenta, make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan to ensure even cooking.

Instructions

Bring the water to a rolling boil in a heavy-bottomed 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting, add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and pour the cornmeal into the water in a very slow stream from a measuring cup, all the while whisking in a circular motion to prevent lumps.

Cover and cook, vigorously stirring the polenta with a wooden spoon for about 10 seconds once every 5 minutes and making sure to scrape clean the bottom and corners of the pot, until the polenta has lost its raw cornmeal taste and becomes soft and smooth, about 30 minutes. Stir in the butter, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to taste. Divide the polenta among individual bowls and top each with a small pat of butter. Sprinkle generously with more grated Parmesan to taste and serve immediately.