Recipe: Nostrana | Photo: John Valls

Repeatedly recognized among the best Portland restaurants, six-time James Beard award finalist Cathy Whims dishes up Italian home cooking at her southeast restaurant, Nostrana. Focusing on hand-tossed pizza and seasonal pasta, Whims’ Toasted Hazelnut Polenta is an Italian comfort classic.

Directions

Heat oven to 325 F. Toast the hazelnuts for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

Remove skins by placing them in a metal strainer and then stirring them vigorously with a metal spoon. Once the nuts are completely cool, pulse them into a medium-fine meal in a food processor, taking care not to turn them into hazelnut butter.

Bring water to a rapid boil in a large saucepan, add salt. Slowly add in dry polenta whisking the entire time. Continue stirring until the polenta thickens up, and turn the heat to low. After simmering for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, the polenta should become rather thick. Beat in the ground hazelnuts until fully incorporated.

Continue to simmer on very low heat, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes.

Cut butter into chunks, and beat into polenta until fully incorporated. Taste for seasoning and add salt as needed.