Polenta

(Microwave Recipe)

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Polenta is an ultimate comfort food. It is basically the same thing as grits except it is made using yellow corn meal. It is typically used as a base for meatier toppings such as chunky gravies or stews, but is often eaten as a stand alone dish topped with a variety of ingredients such as butter, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, jelly or diced peppers.
Note: Polenta is traditionally cooked in a pot on the stove top. I find the microwave method is lot quicker and easier so that is the method I am showing here. If you prefer to make yours on the stove top, there are many good recipes available online.

 Ingredients:
1 cup Yellow Corn Meal (Polenta)
4 cups Water (Chicken broth can be substituted for the water if you want a more flavorful polenta)
½ tsp. Salt
1 TBS. Butter

Directions:
*Very Important* This will boil over quickly. Even when wrapped or cooked with a lid, it is very important to "stir this about every minute or so."

Place corn meal, water, salt and butter in a 2-quart microwave safe dish or bowl.
Cover with wrap or a lid.
Microwave on high for 10 minutes. Cooking times will vary depending on the microwave and the grind of the corn meal, but 10 minutes is a good starting point.
*Stir every minute or so. Keep a close eye on it to avoid cleaning up a mess.*
After 10 minutes, if the polenta is not thick enough, stir and return to the microwave for two more minutes.
If the polenta is too thick, then just add a couple of tablespoons of water, stir well and return to the microwave for one or two more minutes.
Continue this until the polenta is the desired consistency.
When platted, the polenta should not be runny and should stay in place but should not be thick or caky.
Top with your favorite ingredients such as butter, grated parmesan, pepper, fresh chives, or little sour cream if desired. 

 

Reheating:

If you place your polenta in the refrigerator to keep, it will thicken considerably. Just add a few tablespoons of water, stir well and reheat in the microwave.