Instructions: To make the polenta bring the salted water to the boil in a large pan.

Pour in the maize flour stirring.

Add the butter.

Cook over a low heat for 5 minutes stirring all the time so that the flour does not stick.

Then cover and leave to thicken for 30 minutes over the lowest possible heat.

Meanwhile make the sauce.

Heat the oil in a pan.

Fry the onion and the garlic crushed with salt for 5 minutes.

Add the tomatoes fry for another 5 minutes stirring.

Add the stock ham bone bay leaf and peppercorns.

Cover and cook for 25 minutes.

Remove the ham bone put the sauce through a sieve and season with sugar pepper and thyme.

Cover the base of a hot deep dish with some of the sauce sprinkle a little cheese on top and spoon over a layer of polenta.

Repeat these layers until the polenta is used up finishing with layers of sauce and cheese.

Serve at once.

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