Bill's Recipes

Polenta

3 cups water
1 cup cornmeal

Bring water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Pour in cornmeal steadily, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until mixture 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.

Savory Polenta

4 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 quart chicken stock or broth
1 cup coarse ground cornmeal
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeze

In a large, oven-safe saucepan heat half the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until the onions begin to turn translucent, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, making sure the garlic does not burn.

Turn the heat up to high, add the chicken stock, bring to a boil. Gradually add the cornmeal while continually whisking. Once you have added all of the cornmeal continue to cook for 15 minutes, stirring to prevent lumps. Once the mixture is creamy, add the cheese, spices, and the other half of the olive oil. Stir until the cheese is melted and mixed in.

Serve as is, or pour the polenta into 9 by 13-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper. Put weights on tip. Place in the refrigerator to cool completely.

Once set, turn the polenta out onto a cutting board and cut into squares, rounds, or triangles. Sauté in additional olive oil.