Buttered Polenta

Ingredients

• 5 cups water
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4 teaspoons coarse gray sea salt
• 1 cup polenta (not quick-cooking; 5 ounces)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

1. Bring water, oil, and sea salt to a boil in a 4-quart heavy pot, then add polenta in a slow stream, whisking. Cook over moderate heat, whisking, 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook at a bare simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently with a long-handled spoon, 45 minutes. Remove from heat, then add butter and stir until incorporated.