Polenta Gratin With Savory Vegetables Recipes

VEGETABLE GRATIN WITH POLENTA AND SMOKED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the polenta: Brush an 8-inch square baking pan with olive oil or butter. In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed pot bring 1 cup milk and 2 cups water to a boil, then sprinkle in the cornmeal whisking constantly. Keep whisking or stirring until mixture boils and thickens, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1/2 cup of water if polenta gets too thick. Stir in the salt, softened butter, and herbs, then pour into baking pan and try to smooth into an even layer about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. Let cool. For the vegetables: Alternate layers of vegetables on top of polenta, pressing down firmly on each layer, and ending with red peppers and cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Cut into squares and serve with smoked tomato vinaigrette.
• For the Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette: Place wine, shallots, and vinegar in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup. Core and quarter the tomatoes. Puree in blender, then strain puree into the pot. Bring to a boil and simmer until about 1/2 cup of liquid remains. Whisk in olive oils and season with salt and pepper.

POLENTA GRATIN WITH GORGONZOLA CHEESE

Steps:

• For polenta: Butter 9 X 13 inch baking dish.
• Bring water, sage, olive oil and salt to boil in medium saucepan.
• Gradually add cornmeal in thin stream, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat to low.
• Cook until cornmeal slowly falls off lifted spoon, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes.
• Immediately spread polenta in prepared dish; smooth top.
• Cool completely (can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate).
• For sauce: bring milk, bay leaves, cloves and allspice to boil in medium saucepan.
• Reduce heat to low.
• Simmer 10 minutes.
• Melt butter in another medium saucepan over moderate heat.
• Add flour.
• Whisk until smooth and bubbling (do not brown), about 2 minutes.
• Strain milk mixture into flour mixture, whisking until smooth; add gorgonzola and whisk into sauce until melted.
• Cook until thick, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes.
• Season to taste with salt, pepper and nutmeg (can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.).
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Butter 9 X 13 inch baking dish.
• Spread ½ cup of the sauce on the bottom.
• Cut polenta into 2 inch squares that are ¼ inch thick.
• Cut each square in half horizontally.
• Place squares in baking dish, overlapping edges slightly.
• Pour remaining sauce over.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan (can be prepared 1 hour ahead).
• Bake until polenta is heated through and top is golden-brown, about 50 minutes.
• Cool 10 minutes before serving.