Boil the Liquid: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water (or vegetable broth for more flavor) to a boil. If you want extra creaminess, add 1 cup of milk as well. Add a pinch of salt.
Slowly Add Polenta: While the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low and gradually pour in the cornmeal and buckwheat flour mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid lumps. This step is key to a smooth texture!
Cook the Polenta: Let the mixture cook on low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon for about 30-40 minutes. From my overall experience, patience is essential here polenta needs time to develop its smooth, creamy consistency.
Add Butter and Cheese: Once the polenta is thick and smooth, stir in the butter until melted. Then, add the grated cheese (Taleggio or Fontina are my go-to choices, but feel free to mix in other mild cheeses). Stir until the cheese melts into the polenta, making it rich and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Transfer the polenta to a serving dish. If you like, top it with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for an earthy aroma.