JOIN NOW
our Italian Cooking
Newsletter

Printer

Friendly

Recipe

HOME PAGE >> Recipes >>

Conversion Calculator !

Italian Recipes zzx012
Italian recipes cv01
anna maria volpi italian chef x01
Publication or use of pictures, recipes, articles, or any other material form my Web site, on or off-line without written permission from the author is prohibited. If you would like to use my articles on your Web site or in your publication, contact me for details. Avoid infringing copyright law and its consequences: read the article 7 Online Copyright Myths by Judith Kallos
Read our
DISCLAIMER  and
PRIVACY POLICY
before using
our site
-------------------
Linking Policy
Advertise with us
Copyright © 2003 - 2011 Anna Maria Volpi - All Rights reserved.
Anna Maria's Open Kitchen Site Map

site map

recipes

policies

about us

Some More Hot Topics You'd Like to See adv.
Anna Maria Suggests

Extra-Virgin Italian Olive Oil

The Best Selection of Italian Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Choose among the finest. FREE SAMPLE !!


Balsamic Vinegar from Modena

Buy from the source Authentic Aged Traditional  Balsamic Vinegar from Italy


Imported Italian Olives

Sicily, Apulia, Lazio, Liguria, and More...The Best Selection of Succulent Italian Olives Oil


Infused Extra-Virgin Olive Oils

Spice up your dishes with Infused Flavored Italian Extra-Virgin Olive Oils. ALL NATURAL!


Polenta
Prepare a saucepan full of water, and bring it to a simmer for eventual use during the preparation. Put 7 cups (1600 cc) of water and salt in a pot and turn heat to medium. Bring the water to a boil and when the water starts simmering, add the corn flour a little at a time, stirring continuously with a whisk or a wooden spoon to prevent the polenta from clotting.
Basic Polenta Recipe
7 cups (1600 cc) water
2 teaspoons salt
17 oz (500 g) polenta corn flour
polenta basic 01.jpg
Continue to stir with a wooden spoon and boil the polenta for about 30 to 45 minutes.
polenta basic 02.jpg
The polenta is ready when it is resisting to the spoon and starts pulling away from the walls of the pan. The absorption of water depends on the quality of the flour. If the polenta becomes too hard and doesn’t pull away from the walls, add some warm water to adjust the consistency until it is like a dense paste.
While the polenta is still hot, pour it onto a wooden board or transfer it to serving dishes.
polenta basic 03.jpg
While the polenta is still hot, pour it onto a lightly oiled wooden board or transfer it directly to serving dishes.
polenta basic 04.jpg polenta basic 05.jpg
When the polenta is cold, it can be easily sliced with a string.
Alternatively, the polenta can be spread on a wooden board with a spatula to a layer about 1/2” (1 cm) thick.
Polenta is generally served in Northern Italy as a substitute for bread. It is un-molded from the pot directly onto a wooden board in the shape of a semi sphere. Then, when cold, it is sliced with a string.
Polenta in central Italy, it is mostly served as a first course by itself. The polenta is poured onto a wooden board and spread in a thin layer, then dressed with different sauces.
Regular polenta cooks in about 45 minutes. The quantity of water will determine the final consistency of the polenta.
Stirring regular polenta can be very hard work.  Precooked polenta is available at Italian delis. It needs only a few minutes of preparation, minimum stirring, and it doesn’t make lumps. Many Italian manufacturers offer a pre-steamed, good-quality product. If using one of these, follow the manufacturer’s directions for time and quantity of water.
Imported Italian corn flour can be substituted with cornmeal. Choose the coarse grind or mix fine and coarse together for a better texture similar to the Italian one. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the timing and quantity of water.

Main Course >> Basic Polenta Recipe

polenta xy01a.jpg