How to Make Perfect Polenta

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 cup polenta
• 3 tablespoons butter , divided
• 0.5 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese , plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until there are no lumps.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often, until polenta starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Polenta mixture should still be slightly loose. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 to 6 minutes. When polenta is too thick to whisk, stir with a wooden spoon. Polenta is done when texture is creamy and the individual grains are tender. Cooking time will depend on the polenta grind.

4. 4

   Turn off heat and gently stir 2 tablespoons butter into polenta until butter partially melts; mix 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into polenta until cheese has melted. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.

5. 5

   Stir polenta and transfer to a serving bowl. Top polenta with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.