Polenta Party Food

BASIC POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a heavy large saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the butter, and stir until melted.

POLENTA PARTY!

Steps:

• In a small bowl combine the polenta and semolina and set aside.
• In a heavy stainless pan or casserole, Combine the stock, cream, nutmeg, and salt and place over medium heat. Bring mixture to a simmer, and slowly but steadily whisk in the polenta and semolina.
• Continue to stir, allowing the mixture to return to a simmer and then reduce the heat so that the mixture barely bubbles. Stir the polenta for about 5 more minutes, until it thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pot. Remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the hot polenta and mix well.
• While the polenta is warm spread it evenly in an ungreased 8 by 8-inch square pan. Allow the polenta to cool for about 10 minutes and then cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or overnight.
• After the polenta has thoroughly chilled, loosen the sides of the polenta by running a knife around the sides of the pan. Cut into 2 inch squares or as desired. Lift the pieces out carefully with a small spatula and place on a small sheet pan. Grill or broil the polenta pieces until they are golden brown. Serve with a variety of toppings such as Parmesan, bolognese, balsamic mushrooms and broccoli rabe with crushed chili flakes.

SOFT POLENTA

Steps:

• Add 4 1/2 cups water, 1 tablespoon salt and the olive oil to a medium saucepot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the cornmeal in a steady stream, until it is all incorporated and smooth.
• Reduce the heat to medium low and continue to cook at a simmer until the polenta is creamy and fully hydrated, 30 to 40 minutes.
• Take the saucepot off the heat and whisk in the butter and Parmesan. Season with additional salt and pepper. Transfer the polenta to a large serving bowl and serve.

POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Pour in polenta steadily, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until polenta is thickened. It should come away from sides of the pan, and be able to support a spoon. This can take anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes. Pour polenta onto a wooden cutting board, let stand for a few minutes.