Basic Polenta

Cornmeal may be either fine- or coarse-grained. Polenta is the coarse-grained variant. If you cannot get polenta cornmeal, you can substitute the fine-grained cormeal, though the texture will be different.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup polenta meal (coarsely ground cornmeal)

Procedure:

In a heavy saucepan bring water and salt to a boil and gradually whisk in cornmeal in a thin stream. Cook polenta over moderately low heat (it should be barely boiling), stirring constantly, until very thick and pulls away from side of pan, about 40 minutes.

Remove pan from heat and cover to keep warm. Stir polenta just before using. Polenta will keep warm, covered, about 20 minutes.

Makes about 2-3 servings.