Pre-cooked. Ready to heat & serve. Fat free/Gluten free. History of Polenta: In Italy, Polenta is a versatile alternative to pasta, bread or rice, and is especially suited for meat dishes that have plenty of sauce. In northern Italy, it's as popular as pasta is in the south. Traditionally, the first cooking step required stirring for 40-45 minutes in a copper kettle over a hot fire. Pre-cooked Polenta eliminates this tedious chore, while preserving Polenta's ancient Italian heritage. There may be some water separation, this is normal. Polenta makes a great alternative to pasta, rice, or potatoes. As a side dish or main course, simply slice 1/2 inch thick slices and heat in microwave, pan fry (with a little olive oil or butter), bake, broil, or grill (coat with olive oil first) to your taste. Top with pasta sauces, pesto, gravy, cheeses, stew, chili, or enjoy it plain. Try using our polenta instead of pasta in your lasagna recipe or top with refried beans, taco meat or chili and cheese for a great tamale pie. For soft polenta, heat desired amount in microwave, add a small amount of water, soup stock, or milk. Mix until you have the desired texture and heat again. For more recipe ideas visit our web site at www.polenta.net.