Cheesy Gruyère Polenta

• porcijos: Serves 4 to 6
• bendras laikas: Total Tinme: 45 minutes

Ingredientai

4 1/2 cups water

1 cup coarse-ground polenta

1 teaspoon table salt

Pinch baking soda

4 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded (1 cup)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Nurodymai

Bring water to boil in medium saucepan over high heat. Whisk in polenta, salt, and baking soda. Bring mixture to boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to lowest possible setting, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth; cover; and continue to cook until grains are tender but slightly al dente, about 25 minutes longer. (Polenta should be loose and just hold its shape when drizzled fromn whisk; it will continue to thicken as it cools.)

Off heat, whisk in Gruyère and butter until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep covered until ready to serve.

Pastabos

Avoid quick-cooking or instant polenta or cornmeal here. A pinch of baking soda helps the polenta soften more quickly, speeding up the cooking process.

A Soft Place to Land

This rich stew is great on its own but even better ladled over creamy, cheesy, flavorful polenta. -Lawman Johnson

Recipe from Cook's Country, Oct/Nov 2025.