How To: Make authentic Italian polenta con puccu with cornmeal, chicken & onions

Try out this authentic Italian recipe for polenta con puccu. It's a meal that simply soothes the soul. Eric Freiman-Polli shares the secret of his Italian grandmothers wonderful dish, for you to share with your family. It's chicken simmered in onions, red wine, cloves, mushrooms and rich tomato paste is a delicious accompaniment to creamy slow-cooked polenta.

Serves 6

For Polenta

* 6 cups cold water
* 2 cups cornmeal, medium ground

For Puccu

* 4 tbsp olive oil
* 2 small onions, finely chopped
* pinch of kosher salt
* 12 pieces of chicken, legs & thighs
* 1 cup red wine (divided as ¼ & ¾ cup)
* 6 oz tomato paste
* 6 whole cloves
* ¼ cup dried porcini mushrooms

Special Equipment

* large rondeau (straight-sided sauté pan) with cover
* medium heavy-bottomed sauce pot
* wooden spoon
* whisk
* wooden cutting board
* kitchen twine