Crimson Cornmeal Porridge
Get ready to savor a true taste of Italy with this mouthwatering Red Flint Polenta recipe! This ain't your grandma's polenta – no way, José! Modern polenta doesn't compare to the hearty, flavor-packed polenta of yesteryears, thanks to de-germing that's left us with bland and boring grits. But fear not, my fellow foodies! A passionate group of farmers, chefs, and millers have been on a mission since 2000 to resuscitate a fantastic heirloom variety called Floriani red flint corn. This bad boy is whole-grain cornmeal gold after drying and milling, giving you a toothsome, deeply-flavored dish that's a feast for the eyes too. Just be patient, as this labor of love takes about 3 hours to cook!
Here's what you'll need:
What to buy: If you're hankering for some authentic Red Flint Polenta, look no further than Community Grains, a small milling company based out of NorCal. Could this be the perfect excuse for a trip? ello, California!
🌟 Yield: Feeds 6-8 hungry souls👩🔫 Difficulty: Easy peasy, lemon squeezy🕒 Total time: Approx. 3 hrs (with 15 minutes active time)
🥘 Ingredients (6):
For the polenta:- 3 quarts cold water, plus more as needed- Large pinch of kosher salt, plus more to taste- 2 cups red flint polenta- Extra-virgin olive oil (optional), for garnishing
If using dairy (optional):- 1 cup mascarpone cheese- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Here's how to whip up some Red Flint Polenta magic:
- Bring the water and salt to a roaring boil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-high and stream in the polenta while vigorously whisking to ward off lumps. Let it come to a boil again and then dial down the heat to maintain a slow, steady simmer. Cook away for 3 hours, throwing in more water if needed to keep things from getting too thick. Whisk frequently to keep the simmer gentle.
- Once the polenta is thick and creamy, like grits, with a tender bite, it's ready to serve! Give it a taste and add more salt as needed. Serve warm in cozy bowls, making an excellent side to porchetta or other roasted meats. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil if that tickles your fancy.
For a velvety, indulgent version:
- Shut off the heat and mix in the mascarpone cheese and butter until it's all seamlessly incorporated. Taste and add more salt if required. Serve as above. Enjoy the goodness!
- In an effort to revive the traditional flavor of polenta, a group focused on restoring the heirloom variety Floriani red flint corn, which is milled into whole-grain cornmeal, has been actively working since 2000.
- If you wish to prepare authentic Red Flint Polenta, it is recommended to purchase red flint polenta from Community Grains, a milling company based in NorCal.
- For those seeking a richer, velvety version of Red Flint Polenta, optional ingredients such as mascarpone cheese and butter can be added during the final stages of cooking, making the dish even more indulgent.
