Buckwheat polenta enriched with melted butter and cheese from Lombardy's mountain valleys. This vegetarian mediterranean comfort food is a hearty, fresh family dish from Italy's alpine regions.
Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a large saucepan; add 1 teaspoon salt while heating.
Gradually pour in buckwheat flour and cornmeal while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to avoid lumps.
Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring vigorously every 3–4 minutes, until thickened and cohesive, about 35 minutes. Scrape down the sides to prevent sticking.
Add butter, fontina, and taleggio to the hot polenta, stirring thoroughly until all cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
Season with black pepper and serve hot, optionally letting polenta rest for 2–3 minutes to set slightly before spooning into bowls.