Polenta is ground corn cooked in water to make a thick and creamy porridge. Coarse, stone-ground dried corn makes delicious polenta and long, slow cooking allows its full flavor to develop. When hot and just cooked, it is soft; as it cools, it becomes firm and can then be cut into shapes and fried, grilled, or baked. Polenta is versatile; serve it with all kinds of roasted or braised meats and poultry, vegetable stews, tomato sauces and ragus, beans, mushrooms, and greens. This recipe adds the sweet taste and crunchy texture of fresh corn.
In place of the corn, or in addition to it, add ½ cup grated fontina, pecorino, Gorgonzola, mascarpone, or Parmesan cheese.
Recipe information
Yield
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 4 cups water to boiling. Add the salt and whisk in the polenta, adding it in a steady thin stream. Turn down the heat and stir constantly until the polenta has thickened evenly. Cook at a bare simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour, until the polenta appears glossy and creamy. If the polenta gets too thick while cooking, add water to keep it a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 2
While the polenta cooks, prepare the fresh corn. Husk the corn and pull off the cornsilk; rub the ears with a clean dish towel to remove any remaining cornsilk. Cut the kernels from the cobs as directed on page 89. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of the butter. When the butter has melted, add the corn and cook for about 5 minutes, until the kernels appear translucent; take care not to let it brown.
Step 3
When the polenta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the cooked corn and remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Cover the pot to keep the polenta warm until ready to serve, or spread it out on a rimmed baking sheet or pan to cool and set up.
