Lorna Sass: Basic Polenta

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* Exported from MasterCook *

 

Basic Polenta

 

Recipe By :Lorna Sass, Short-Cut Vegetarian, page 37

Serving Size : 2 Preparation Time :0:03

Categories :

 

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt -- (scant)

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary -- optional

or oregano or Italian herb blend

1/2 cup instant or " quick-cooking " polenta

(measured into 1-cup glass measuring cup

with spout)

2 teaspoons roasted garlic or plain olive oil

 

Here's the " couldn't-be-simpler " recipe for instant polenta. You can vary

it by using your favorite herbs or infused oils. Although the herbs are

optional, a bit of oil is necessary to round out the polenta's flavor and

texture. Cooks who use dairy products may wish to substitute two to three

tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for the oil.

 

While the package instructions may tell you to cook the polenta for five

minutes, I find that small amounts (half a cup of dry cornmeal or less)

are done in about half the time. To avoid the lumping, be sure to stir

the mixture constantly while sprinkling in the polenta. In addition, hold

the cornmeal well above the pot, so your arm is out of steam's reach.

 

In a medium saucepan, bring the water, rosemary (if using), and salt to a

boil over high heat. Holding the measuring cup about 6 inches above the

pan, gradually sprinkle in the polenta while you stir constantly and

vigorously with a fork.

 

Reduce the heat to medium and cook, uncovered, stirring almost constantly,

until the polenta thickens and loses its grittiness, 2 to 3 minutes.

(When close to done, the polenta will probably begin to sputter; lower the

heat and stand back.) Stir in the roasted garlic olive oil. Serve the

polenta in warmed bowls.

 

T(Cooking Time):

" 0:03 "

 

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Per serving: 1 Calories (kcal); trace Total Fat; (33% calories from fat); trace

Protein; trace Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 540mg

Sodium

Food Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 0 Fat; 0

Other Carbohydrates

 

 

Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0