Step 1

Collect together your equipment (see Recipe Notes below) and ingredients.

Step 2

Bring the water to the boil in a large pan (I use a non-stick pan) and pour in the polenta, stirring continuously, to ensure no lumps form.

Step 3

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, with the lid mostly but only partially on, stirring regularly until the polenta is soft, thick and has absorbed the water. This takes around 30 minutes.

Step 4

Add the butter, salt and pepper and stir to mix.

Step 5

Finally, stir in the cream and/or parmesan cheese. Taste, and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Parmesan cheese is naturally quite salty, so you will not need as much salt, if using the cheese.

Step 6

Serve dotted with a little extra butter and some chopped chives or parsley.