Soft Polenta

Directions

1. 1
   Bring 3 cups water to a full boil in a heavy pot. Simmer the remaining water close by.
2. 2
   Add the salt and rapidly stir the water with a whisk, creating a vortex. Continuing to stir constantly, add the polenta in a thin stream into the vortex.
3. 3
   Continue to stir after all the polenta has been added, then lower the heat to a simmer rather than a boil.
4. 4
   As the polenta thickens, replace the whisk with a long-handled wooden spoon.
5. 5
   Add the 1 cup of remaining water and continue to stir. Break up any lumps with the back of the spoon pressed against the pot.
6. 6
   Continue stirring the polenta, reaching to the bottom of the pot as necessary, until it gets thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
7. 7
   Taste the polenta to test tenderness; add additional water if necessary. The polenta can take 15 to 60 minutes to cook properly, depending on its type.
8. 8
   During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the pepper and butter, then add the cheese.
9. 9
   Remove from heat.
10. 10
    If serving immediately, pour onto a large platter or into a bowl or individual dishes.