Herb Crusted Polenta Rounds Recipes

HERBED POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring four-and-a-half cups of stock to a simmer in a heavy saucepan. Add the cornmeal very slowly, stirring constantly. The easiest way to add the cornmeal is to take handfuls of it and allow a very fine stream to pour from your slightly open fist. When all the cornmeal has been added continue cooking the mixture, stirring from time to time, for another 15 minutes.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir in the butter and herbs. Serve at once. The polenta can be held for up to about 20 minutes if you add the additional half-cup of stock and cover it. Reheat it gently, stirring constantly, then serve.
• Serve with a generous dusting of the Parmesan cheese.

PARMESAN-CRUSTED POLENTA WITH SAUSAGE-MUSHROOM RAGOûT

Steps:

• Preheat broiler.
• Broil polenta rounds on a lightly oiled large heavy baking sheet 3 to 4 inches from heat until lightly browned in spots, about 7 minutes. Turn rounds over and sprinkle with cheese, then broil until polenta is golden in spots and cheese is melted, about 7 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until it shimmers, then cook sausage, breaking up lumps, until just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
• Heat remaining tablespoon oil in skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add wine and boil, scraping up any brown bits, until reduced by about half, about 2 minutes. Stir in sausage and tomato sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Season with salt.
• Serve ragout spooned over polenta.

POLENTA WITH HERBS

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, over medium-low heat, the heat the oil with the garlic, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the broth and milk, and bring to a boil over high heat. While whisking constantly, slowly pour the cornmeal into the hot liquid. Stir in the salt. Lower the heat to cook the mixture at a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cornmeal is creamy and not all grainy, about 30 minutes. Remove the polenta from the heat and stir the cheese, butter, and the herbs. Serve.

HERBED POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring the water to a boil in a heavy large saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the cheese, milk, butter, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and pepper, and stir until the butter and cheese melt. Transfer the polenta to a bowl and serve.

POLENTA CRUSTED ROASTED POTATOES WITH HERBS AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F. Cut potatoes into medium-size chunks (about 8 pieces per half-potato). Place potatoes in 2-quart saucepan of salted water. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-high; simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
• Drain potatoes; place in large bowl. Gently toss potatoes with polenta, sea salt and pepper.
• Heat large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add olive oil; swirl to coat. When oil is hot, add herbs; cook 1 minute. Add potatoes, scattering in even layer in skillet. Place skillet to oven.
• Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until bottoms are golden and crisp. Turn potatoes; sprinkle with garlic. Bake 10 minutes longer or until crisp on both sides.
• Using slotted spoon, transfer potatoes to serving bowl or plate.