Creamy Parmesan Polenta

Slow-stirred coarse polenta with butter and Parmigiano. The thing to spoon a braise over.

45 min · Serves 6 · Italian

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups coarse polenta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated
  • black pepper

Method

  1. Bring the water, milk and salt to a simmer in a heavy saucepan.
  2. Whisk in the polenta in a slow stream so it doesn't clump.
  3. Turn the heat to low and cook, stirring every few minutes with a wooden spoon and scraping the corners, for 35 to 40 minutes, until thick and the grains are tender. Add a splash of hot water if it gets too stiff.
  4. Stir in the butter and Parmigiano, season with pepper and serve straight away. It firms as it sits; loosen it with hot milk.