Cookbook:Basic Polenta

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• 3 cups (~750 mL) water and/or milk
• 1 cup (~250 mL) coarse ground cornmeal or polenta
• Butter and/or olive oil to taste (likely in the range of 1–2 tablespoons / 15–30 mL)
• Salt
• Parmesan cheese, to taste

• Stove
• Heavy pot with lid
• Wooden spoon or similar

1. Bring the liquid to a boil in a heavy pot. If you're using milk, keep an eye on it: it can easily boil over and make a mess all over the place in seconds.
2. When the liquid is at a boil, add a pinch or so of salt. Add the polenta, stirring frequently to avoid lumps and form a stable suspension.
3. Cover pot and turn to low heat, checking on it occasionally. Add more liquid if necessary. The polenta will be finished in approximately 45 minutes.
4. Polenta can be kept on low heat for up to 20 minutes or allowed to cool for future use.