Creamy Polenta With Spicy Chile Oil Food

CHEESY POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring the water to a boil in a large, heavy pot. Add the salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cheese, milk, butter, and parsley. Stir until the butter and cheese have melted. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the polenta to a bowl and serve.

OVEN-BAKED CREAMY POLENTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In an ovenproof saucepan with a lid, whisk together 3 cups water, cornmeal, salt, and pepper. Cover, and bake 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Remove from oven, and add milk, butter, and marjoram; whisk briskly until smooth. Serve immediately.

CREAMY POLENTA

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring the water, milk and butter to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water and whisk in the polenta. Whisk constantly for 3 to 4 minutes to prevent lumps. Simmer for 45 minutes, partially covered and stirring every 10 minutes, until the polenta is thick, smooth, and creamy. Add the creme fraiche and Parmesan. Check for seasoning and adjust consistency by adding milk or water to the polenta. Polenta may be made up to 20 minutes ahead of time and kept covered until ready to serve.

CREAMY POLENTA WITH SPICY CHILE OIL

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Whisking constantly, gradually add 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, whisking frequently, until thick and creamy, 2 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons over medium. Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until red-pepper flakes begin to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve polenta topped with chile oil.