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Soft Polenta Integrale

Flecks of red bran are characteristic of the Trentino flint corn used to make Polenta Integrale.
difficulty:
yield:

About 4 cups

time:

About 1 hour

introduction

Like cornmeal mush, soft polenta is spoonable and served piping hot—a sturdy savory porridge.

equipment mise en place

For this recipe, you will need a heavy-bottomed 2½-quart saucepan (preferably one with flared sides), a wooden spoon, and a whisk.

  1. Place the polenta and 4 cups of water in a heavy-bottomed 2½-quart saucepan (preferably one with flared sides) and stir to combine. Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the first starch takes hold, 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the grains are soft and hold their shape on a spoon, about 1 hour. Whisk in the salt, pepper, butter, and Parmesan. Serve hot. (To keep the polenta hot for up to 30 minutes before serving, transfer it to a bowl, cover, and set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. If necessary, thin the polenta with hot water before serving.)