Polenta

Directions

1. 1
   Boil, in a heavy-bottomed pot: 4 cups water.
2. 2
   When boiling, whisk in: 1 cup polenta, 1 teaspoon salt.
3. 3
   Turn down the heat and stir constantly until the polenta is suspended in the water and no longer settles to the bottom of the pot.
4. 4
   Cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, at a bare simmer.
5. 5
   Add water if the polenta gets too thick.
6. 6
   Stir in: 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
7. 7
   Taste and add more salt if needed.
8. 8
   (Be careful when tasting the polenta; it is very hot.)
9. 9
   Keep warm until ready to serve or spread it out on a rimmed baking sheet and let cool.
10. 10
    Saute 1 cup fresh corn kernels for 4 minutes, season with salt, and stir into the finished polenta.
11. 11
    Stir 1 cup shelled and peeled fava beans into the finished polenta.
12. 12
    Replace the Parmesan cheese with fontina, pecorino, or cheddar cheese.