Polenta with cheese (like grandma used to make).

Polenta with Cheese (Grandma's Style)

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Polenta with cheese is a traditional dish that reminds us of the days spent in our grandmothers' kitchens, where the aroma of simple and tasty foods filled the air. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but a journey through time, full of nostalgia and comfort. It is perfect for a family dinner or when you need a comforting dish after a long day.

Ingredients:

- Sheep cheese (or telemea cheese, according to preference)
- Smoked sausages (or fresh sausages, if preferred)
- Bacon (ideally smoked for a more intense flavor)
- Cornmeal (polenta)
- Salt (to taste)
- Water (approximately 1 liter, but adjust according to desired consistency)

Necessary utensils:

- Frying pan
- Pot or large saucepan for boiling the polenta
- Wooden spoon
- Heat-resistant serving dish

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Cut the bacon into small cubes and the sausages into thin slices. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to your polenta, so don’t skimp on quantity!

2. Fry the bacon and sausages: In a frying pan, add the bacon and sausages and fry over medium heat. Let them brown well until the bacon becomes crispy and the sausages release their flavors. The smell will be irresistible!

3. Boil water for the polenta: In a pot, add enough water to achieve a soft polenta. Add salt to taste and bring the water to a boil. Here, grandma used to say that the secret is to sprinkle the cornmeal in a rain-like manner to avoid lumps.

4. Preparing the polenta: When the water boils, add the cornmeal in a rain-like manner, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Cook the polenta for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes thick and soft, as grandma used to call it "loose polenta."

5. Assembly: In a dish, crumble the sheep cheese at the bottom. On top, add a layer of hot polenta, smoothing it out with the spoon. Place some slices of fried sausages and crispy bacon, followed by another layer of cheese. Continue with layers of polenta, sausages, and cheese until you finish the ingredients. It’s best to have 2-3 layers.

6. Finally: On the last layer of polenta, add the remaining sausages, bacon, and cheese. Cover the dish and let it sit warm for 5 minutes. If you want to impress your friends, you can place the dish in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 180°C to achieve a golden crust and melted cheese.

Serving:

Polenta with cheese is served hot, directly from the dish, with a spoon. It is delicious alongside a tomato salad or pickles for a contrast of textures and flavors. If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle some dill or fresh parsley on top.

Practical tips:

- For creamier polenta: You can add a splash of milk or sour cream during the preparation of the polenta.
- Variations: Instead of sausages, you can use sautéed mushrooms or other fried vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of polenta contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and bacon used. It is a good source of carbohydrates, but moderate consumption is recommended, especially for those on a diet.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can polenta be frozen? It is not recommended, as the texture may change. We suggest preparing it fresh.
- Can I use another type of cheese? Sure! Feta cheese or cottage cheese are excellent alternatives.

Polenta with cheese is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that will remind you of "home." So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy every step of the preparation!