Soft Polenta with Shrimp

In a medium saucepan, add the cornmeal along with 1 cup water and whisk well to make a slurry; continue whisking to eliminate any lumps. Place the pan over medium-high heat, sprinkle with salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, whisking frequently and adding water as needed to keep the polenta smooth and free of lumps (this will take between 3 and 4 more cups of water depending on the grind of your polenta). Cook until the polenta is tender and creamy, 15 to 30 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a bit more water to thin it; you're looking for a consistency similar to sour cream.

Put the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the polenta is about 5 minutes from being done, sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper and cook in the skillet until they turn pink, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the butter to the polenta; taste, season with salt if necessary, and sprinkle with lots of pepper. Spoon the polenta into serving bowls and top with shrimp. Makes 4 servings.