Creamy Polenta with Peas Recipe

Have on hand a bowl of ice water. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the peas and blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes or until they are tender but still have some bite.

Drain the peas and put them in the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again.

In a skillet, heat the oil and add the peas, salt, and pepper. Cook them, shaking the pan, for 1 minute; set them aside.

In a large saucepan, bring the water, milk, and 2 tablespoons of the butter to a boil. With a wooden spoon, gradually beat in the cornmeal, stirring constantly, until all of it has been added.

Cook the polenta, stirring constantly, for 20 minutes or until the spoon stands up on its own in the mixture.

Stir in the peas, the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the cheese, salt, and pepper. When the cheese melts, spoon the polenta onto plates and serve at once.