Baked Polenta With Ricotta and Parmesan
This no-stir method produces an effortless polenta. The ricotta adds lightness and turns the polenta into an elegant side dish. It may be baked up to 2 hours in advance and reheated, if desired.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 1cup coarse polenta
- ½teaspoon kosher salt
- 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1cup fresh ricotta
- 1cup grated Parmesan
- Black pepper
Instructions
Step 1
Soak polenta in cold water for 1 hour. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Drain polenta, then place in a heavy-bottomed pot or ovenproof baking dish. Add salt and 4 cups water.Step 2
Place pot in oven, cover, and bake for 45 minutes. (The polenta will begin to simmer and absorb water after a few minutes. No need to stir.)Step 3
After 45 minutes, uncover and stir in the olive oil, ricotta and Parmesan, but don’t overmix. Some of the ricotta should remain in big blobs. The mixture may be a bit soupy at this point, but will thicken as it continues to cook. Bake, uncovered, for another 15 minutes, until top has browned. Finish with a generous amount of pepper.