Polenta, a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal, can be served soft, like porridge, or allowed to

cool and set before being sliced and grilled, fried, or baked. Here's a basic recipe for creamy polenta:

Ingredients:

 4 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken)

 1 cup polenta (coarse-ground cornmeal)

 Salt, to taste

 Butter or olive oil (optional)

 Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

 Fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the water or broth to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Once the liquid is boiling, slowly pour the polenta into the pot in a steady stream, stirring
constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming.

3. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the polenta, stirring frequently, until it thickens,
which may take about 20-30 minutes. Be careful, as the mixture may bubble and splatter.

4. Once the polenta is thick and creamy, season it with salt to taste. You can also add butter or
olive oil for richness, grated Parmesan cheese for flavor, and fresh herbs for extra freshness.

5. Serve the creamy polenta immediately as a side dish or as a base for various toppings, such as
sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or braised meats.

Enjoy your creamy and comforting polenta!