Polenta

Directions

1. 1
   Gradually add the polenta to the lightly salted, hot water by allowing it to fall from your hand from above the pot like sand through your fingers.
2. 2
   If the water is not boiling, you will be able to stir in all the polenta without lumps forming.
3. 3
   As the temperature rises, the flour will integrate with the water and thicken.
4. 4
   Stir all the time, and if you have used too much of the flour and the mixture is too thick, add a little water.
5. 5
   I taste for salt and perhaps add a little parmesan cheese.
6. 6
   When the polenta is smooth and does not taste of raw maize, it is ready.
7. 7
   You can use this sloppy polenta with anything that has been braising for a while.
8. 8
   Alternatively, pour the polenta into a flat baking dish where it will cool and become firm.
9. 9
   At that point, it can be grilled or oven baked for 20 minutes.
10. 10
    As a grilled slice, polenta can be used as a base for eggplant slices, goats cheese, rocket, prosciutto and so on.
11. 11
    For me, grilled polenta is good with either baked or fried fish and lumps of parmesan cheese.
12. 12
    Baked polenta can be dressed with cheese, roasted capsicum and fine pancetta.
13. 13
    After you have poured the polenta into a tray, some will remain stuck to the sides of the pot.
14. 14
    Let it dry even for a day, and peel these skins off.
15. 15
    They are delicious with parmesan cheese.