MICROWAVE POLENTA

By BobD

Ingredients

• If you want polenta in a hurry, you can prepare it in the microwave. Just be sure to use a large bowl and be very careful when handling it. Allow the steam escape before you stir, as the mixture will be extremely hot.
• 3/4 cup polenta
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from nytimes.com

Preparation

Step 1

Combine the polenta, salt and water in a 2 1/2- to 3-quart microwave-safe bowl, and stir together. Cover the bowl with a plate, and place in the microwave.

Microwave on high for eight minutes. Remove from the microwave carefully, wearing oven mitts, as the bowl will be quite hot.

Carefully remove the plate from the top, and allow the steam to escape.

Stir in the butter, and mix well with a fork. Cover the bowl again with the plate and return to the microwave. Microwave on high for three minutes. Again, remove from the microwave carefully, wearing oven mitts.

Carefully remove the plate from the top, and allow the steam to escape. Stir the polenta, and return to the microwave for three more minutes. Carefully remove from the microwave.

Stir and serve, or pour into a lightly buttered bread pan and allow to cool, then slice and grill or sear in a lightly oiled pan.

Advance preparation: If you are serving polenta hot with a topping, its best to serve it when it comes out of the oven, allowing it to sit for five minutes at most.