Soft Polenta with Thyme

Directions

1. 1
   Heat the olive oil in a large heavy saucepan.
2. 2
   Add the onion and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes.
3. 3
   Add the chicken stock, 1 1/2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt and bring to a simmer over moderately high heat.
4. 4
   Whisk in the polenta in a slow, thin stream, whisking constantly so that no lumps form.
5. 5
   Cook, stirring frequently in the same direction with a flat wooden paddle until the polenta is fairly thick, 25 to 30 minutes.
6. 6
   Stir in the butter, thyme and Parmesan cheese.
7. 7
   Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
8. 8
   Serve hot.