Polenta

1 cup polenta

1 quart water

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

 

1.    Preheat the oven to 350°.

2.    Combine the polenta, water, and salt in a 2-quart baking dish. Stir together, and place in the oven. Bake 50 minutes.

3.    Remove from the oven, and stir in the butter. Use a fork or a spatula to stir the polenta well, and return to the oven for 10 minutes.

4.    Remove from the oven, stir again, and taste. If the grains are not completely soft, return to the oven for 10 minutes.

5.    (Optional step) When you remove the polenta from the oven, stir in ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan. Grind a little black pepper over the top.

 

Serve immediately for soft polenta, or let sit five minutes for a stiffer polenta.