Southwestern Pork Stir Fry With Creamy Cilantro Polenta Recipes

SOUTHWESTERN PORK STIR FRY WITH CREAMY CILANTRO POLENTA

Steps:

• Prepare the Polenta: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of milk to a boil. Whisk in the polenta and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often until thickened. Add another 1 cup of the milk and stir. Continue to stir and simmer for 5 to 6 more minutes. Stir in another 1 cup of milk and continue to simmer, still stirring often, until the polenta is thick and creamy, 5 to 6 more minutes. Stir in the butter, salt, pepper and cilantro. Set aside while you make the stir fry. Prepare the stir fry: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet until hot. Add the pork to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add all of the vegetables to the skillet. Sprinkle with lime juice, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes longer, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften and the pork cooks through. Add the broth to the skillet and cook just until the liquid comes to a boil and begins to thicken. Serve over polenta. HINT: If the polenta thickens too much upon standing, just add in some additional milk, heat and stir. It should easily re-gain its creamy consistency again.

FRIED POLENTA

Steps:

• Lightly oil an 11 by 7-inch baking dish. Transfer the hot polenta to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to 3/4-inch thick. Refrigerate until cold and firm, about 2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
• Cut the polenta into 2 by 1-inch pieces. Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the polenta pieces until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Using tongs, transfer the polenta pieces to paper towels and drain. Place the polenta pieces on a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while cooking the remaining batches.
• Transfer the polenta pieces to a serving platter. Sprinkle the polenta with the Parmesan cheese and salt. Serve, passing the marinara sauce alongside.
• Bring 6 cups of 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. Turn off the heat. Add the butter, and stir until melted.