How to make Polenta

I've been actively looking for soy-free vegetarian meals.  There are so many healthy recipes out there so this has been exciting.

You can actually make your own cornmeal buy grinding corn kernels, preferably non-gmo corn, with a grain mill.  It's easy and saves a bunch of money!

POLENTA 
from nytimes.com (seriously)

large pan of firm polenta

Ingredients:

water
Salt and pepper
1 cup medium or fine cornmeal
Butter
Parmesan for soft polenta, optional

Tips: 

do NOT just dump in the cornmeal or the entire thing will be lumpy.

If it gets lumpy and the wisk doesn't ehlp, use a slotted spatula and squish lumps against the sides of the pot.

do not leave it and walk away or it will go funky

Directions:
For firm polenta use 4 cups water; for soft polenta use 5 cups water. Bring water to a boil in a medium-size heavy sauce pan over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Pour cornmeal slowly into water, stirring with a wire whisk or wooden spoon. Continue stirring as mixture thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. 

Turn heat to low. Cook for at least 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so. If polenta becomes quite thick, thin it with 1/2 cup water, stir well and continue cooking. Add up to 1 cup more water as necessary, to keep polenta soft enough to stir. Put a spoonful on a plate, let it cool, then taste. Grains should be swollen and taste cooked, not raw. Adjust salt and add pepper if you wish. 

For firm polenta, lightly butter a baking sheet or shallow dish, approximately 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Carefully pour polenta into pan. Using a spatula, spread polenta to a thickness of 3/4 inch. Cool to room temperature to allow polenta to solidify. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. 

Polenta Triangles ready for topping

For soft polenta, add 6 tablespoons butter to pot and stir well. Serve immediately or transfer to a double boiler set over low heat, cover and keep warm for up to an hour or so. (Or set the saucepan in a pot of barely simmering water.) Stir well before spooning into low soup bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired.

Bob's Red Mill advertises that they are GMO Free!  Get a great deal buy buying a 4-pack

I opted for the firm polenta and it was delicious but a bit plain.  for my first attempt I wanted to see hoe it would turn out.  I'll definitely make this again!
This recipe will be GREAT for Food Revolution Day...Topped with homegrown herbs and veggies!

Sharing another healthy recipe at Tuesdays with a Twist and HERE.