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1
Make polenta: Combine 8 cups water and salt in heavy larger saucepan.
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2
Bring to a boil.
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3
Gradually add cornmeal, whisking until smooth.
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4
reduce heat to low.
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5
Cover and cook until polenta is thick and creamy, stirring frequently, about 30 minutes.
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6
Using small sharp knife, cut 1-inch-deep slits all over beef.
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7
Fill each slit with pancetta strip.
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8
Place beef in large bowl; pour wine over.
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9
Cover; chill overnight.
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10
Drain wine from beef, reserving wine.
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11
Pat beef dry with paper towels.
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12
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over high heat.
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13
Add beef and cook until brown on both sides, about 10 minutes total.
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14
Add reserved wine, onion and next 7 ingredients.
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15
Bring to a boil.
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16
Reduce heat to medium-low.
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17
Cover and cook until beef is very tender, turning beef occasionally, about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
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18
Using tongs, transfer beef to platter.
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19
Tent beef with foil to keep warm.
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20
Discard bay leaves from wine mixture in pot.
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21
Working in batches, coarsely puree wine mixture in blender.
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22
Return to pot and bring to a simmer.
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23
Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
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24
Spoon polenta into large bowl.
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25
Cut beef into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
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26
Spoon sauce over beef.