Tom Valentis Soft Polenta Recipes

SOFT POLENTA

Steps:

• In a 4-quart heavy saucepan bring water to a boil with salt and bay leaves and gradually whisk in cornmeal in a thin stream. Cook mixture over moderate heat, whisking, 2 minutes and cover pan. Simmer polenta, covered, over low heat, stirring for 1 minute after every 10 minutes of cooking, 45 minutes total. Remove pan from heat and discard bay leaves.

SOFT POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring 3 cups water to a full boil in a heavy pot. Simmer the remaining water close by.
• 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.
• Continue to stir after all the polenta has been added, then lower the heat to a simmer rather than a boil.
• As the polenta thickens, replace the whisk with a long-handled wooden spoon.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the pepper and butter, then add the cheese.
• Remove from heat.
• If serving immediately, pour onto a large platter or into a bowl or individual dishes.

SOFT POLENTA

Steps:

• Add 4 1/2 cups water, 1 tablespoon salt and the olive oil to a medium saucepot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the cornmeal in a steady stream, until it is all incorporated and smooth.
• Reduce the heat to medium low and continue to cook at a simmer until the polenta is creamy and fully hydrated, 30 to 40 minutes.
• Take the saucepot off the heat and whisk in the butter and Parmesan. Season with additional salt and pepper. Transfer the polenta to a large serving bowl and serve.

TOM VALENTI'S SOFT POLENTA

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine milk, salt, pepper, butter, and garlic. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to low, and whisk in the cornmeal. The resulting mixture will look very loose.
• Cook, stirring frequently, for 12 to 15 minutes. Reserve, or if you prefer, leave over low heat and keep warm by stirring frequently, or transfer to a double boiler set over simmering water.