Basic La Polenta

From Great Italian American Food in New England
November 18, 2016

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 6 - 8 Serving(s)
  • 1¾ cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation

Combine cornmeal, water and salt in a bowl and set aside. In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add the oil and stir in the cornmeal. With an electric or hand beater, beat the cornmeal until it starts to thicken (3 to 4 minutes). This will keep the polenta smooth and free of lumps. Cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 20 to 30 minutes. Turn off heat, cover the pot and shake it a little. This will allow some steam to get under the polenta so it will detach itself from the bottom of the pan, making cleanup easier. Let the polenta stay on the stove for 3 to 5 minutes without stirring it. Pour the polenta out onto a board, or pour it into a large bowl. Let it cool and slice it.

Related Stories & Recipes

Edible Reads

I’m walking up Union Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts with international food stylist, consultant and food writer, John Carafoli. We’re searching for the red-and-white-striped awning of Fisichelli’s ...

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 6 - 8 Serving(s)
  • 1¾ cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
We will never share your email address with anyone else. See our privacy policy.