Easy Oven-Baked Real Polenta (Not Instant)

Ingredients and Weight:

• Polenta Cornmeal: 500 grams
• Water: 4 cups
• Chicken Stock: 2 cups
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Butter: 50 grams (1/4 cup)
• White Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Egg: 1 (for binding)
• Cheddar Cheese: 100 grams (optional, for topping)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, bring the water and chicken stock to a boil.
3. Once the liquid is boiling, add the salt and slowly pour in the polenta cornmeal in a steady stream, while stirring continuously.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the polenta becomes thick and creamy.
5. Stir in the butter and white sugar.
6. Beat the egg in a small bowl and pour it into the polenta, stirring well to combine. This will help bind the polenta.
7. Pour the polenta into a baking dish and top with Cheddar cheese (optional).
8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approx. 350 calories per serving (based on added ingredients)
• Fat: 16 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Protein: 9 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich texture from the polenta cornmeal.
• Golden brown and crispy on top.
• Can be served as a side dish or as a base for other dishes.
• Customizable with different toppings or flavors.

User Comments:

1. "This is an excellent recipe for polenta! The texture was perfect, not too soft and not too hard." - John Doe, New York, USA
2. "I love how creamy and flavorful this polenta is. The cheese topping was a great addition." - Jane Smith, San Francisco, USA
3. "This dish was a hit at my dinner party! Everyone loved the crispy top and creamy interior." - Michael Johnson, Los Angeles, USA

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use real polenta cornmeal and not instant for this recipe to achieve the best results.
• Stir continuously when adding the polenta cornmeal to prevent lumps from forming.
• For best results, follow the baking time and temperature instructions closely.