Oltranti gives this dish a velvety finish with Franklin's Teleme, a soft, tangy cheese made in Northern California. If you can't find it, use a combination of mascarpone and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

　　

Ingredients

6 cups cold water

　　1 1/2 cups polenta (not quick-cooking)

　　2 teaspoons fine sea salt

　　1/2 stick unsalted butter

　　1/2 pound Franklin's Teleme cheese, or 3/4 cup mascarpone and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

　　

Step 1

Stir together water, polenta, and sea salt in a heavy medium saucepan, then bring to a boil, covered. Simmer, uncovered, stirring constantly with a long-handled wooden spoon, until smooth and creamy, about 20 minutes. If mixture starts to tighten and get dry, add more water (up to 1/2 cup).

　　

Step 2

Remove from heat and stir in butter. Pull cheese into pieces and stir into polenta until incorporated. Season with sea salt and pepper.