Polenta - Basic Recipe

Place the water in a copper cauldron (this is the prescribed vessel for hanging in the fireplace over a wood fire, but if you are in a city house, a steel or heavy metal saucepan will do) over high heat and bring to a boil. Wait until the water begins to boil merrily. Add the kosher salt and start sprinkling in the cornmeal, letting it fall through the fingers of one hand while continually stirring with a wooden spoon in the other. Always stir in the same direction, whether clockwise or counterclockwise, never reversing it. Gradually the mixture will become thicker and thicker. Polenta needs long cooking - at least 40 minutes - and it must never be interrupted. Only constant stirring will make it perfect. It's a dish that is exhausting to make, and was traditionally done by a man.

When it comes out of the pot the polenta is soft and can be served in bowls, coated in butter and Parmesan cheese, and eaten with a spoon. After a while it tends to become more solid and can then be cut into slices, while still warm.