Creamy Corn Mash from Ticino

Polenta is yellow cornmeal that’s cooked and stirred over low heat until it becomes a delicious, tender mash. It belongs, with chestnuts and risotto, to the traditional peasant foods of Ticino and can be eaten in many ways: right out of a bowl; spread on a wooden board to cool and set, and then cut with a piece of thin thread; or cooled completely in a form, then sliced and fried.

Served with butter, cheese, a stew, a sauce, or simply a splash of cold cream, polenta is an excellent