Sundried Tomato And Olive Polenta Ancient Renaissance Recipes

CHEESY SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND OLIVE POLENTA WEDGES

Steps:

• Lightly grease a round sandwich (sponge)cake pan.
• Using a large saucepan, bring the stock to a boil. Add the polenta and reduce to a simmer. Stir constantly for about 10-15 minutes, or until the polenta is very thick.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the cheeses, basil, olives and tomatoes.
• Press the polenta mixture firmly into the prepared tin. Smooth over the top. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate until firm. this will be at least 2 hours.(This stage can be done a day ahead).
• Cut polenta into 16 wedges. Dust the wedges in flour (use either regular or gluten-free/rice flour)and shallow fry in a large frying pan, until browned and crisp on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper (or use a wire rack) before serving.
• Variation- use a larger tin - that will produce a flatter polenta cake. Cut into squares or wedges. Spray with a cooking oil spray and grill, BBQ or use a health grill.
• Should have 8 serves.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO POLENTA CAKE

Steps:

• Combine water, cornmeal and salt in heavy saucepan. Cook on low heat 30 min. or until mixture thickens and pulls away from side of pan, stirring frequently. Add Parmesan cheese, tomatoes and 1/4 cup butter; mix well. Spoon into greased 13x9-inch baking pan; smooth top. Cool to room temperature. Cover. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 3 days until firm.
• Cook and stir peppers and onions in 1 Tbsp. of the oil in large skillet on medium heat until tender. Stir in fennel; set aside.
• Cut polenta into 12 squares. Melt remaining 1 Tbsp. oil and 1 Tbsp. butter in large skillet. Add polenta squares; cook until bottoms of squares are lightly browned; turn over. Top each with 1 cheese slice; cover. Continue cooking until bottoms are lightly browned and cheese is melted. Serve topped with the pepper mixture.

SMOKY CREAMY POLENTA WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• In a heavy bottom pot melt butter. Add onions season with the salt and cook for 3 minutes.
• Add pepper flakes if using, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and cook until the aroma of the garlic is released, about 1 minute.
• Add Broth bring to a boil. Add chipotle sauce.
• Whisk in corn meal adding in a thin stream so not to clump stirring all the while. When all the corn meal is added lower the flame to medium.
• Stir with a wooden spoon till it comes from the sides of the pot. About 30 minutes. Add the brie and stir till melted and blended inches Or just mix so to leave some of the cheese still present!
• Ahh, the goodness of cheese! Watch this polenta change from just polenta to yummy, creamy, comforting polenta!

CRISP PARMESAN, OLIVE & SUNDRIED TOMATO POLENTA BITES

Steps:

• Pour the stock into a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the polenta, and stir continuously over a medium heat for 3-4 mins until thickened and just coming away from the edges of the pan. Add the olives, tomatoes, oil and most of the parmesan, and stir for a further minute until well combined. Season.
• Spoon the polenta mixture onto a lined swiss roll tray or baking sheet. Place another sheet of baking parchment on top and roll out to 1cm thick, then remove the top sheet of parchment and scatter with the remaining parmesan. Leave the polenta to cool at room temperature for 1 hr to set. Alternatively, if you're making it ahead, leave to cool and chill for several hours or overnight.
• Once the polenta has set, heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut or stamp the polenta sheet into shapes of your choice, and arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment. Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and crisp, and serve warm. Will keep for up to a day in the fridge.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO TAPENADE ON POLENTA TRIANGLES

Steps:

• For Tapenade:
• Combine all ingredients in processor. Using on/of turns, process until finely chopped. Transfer to small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• For Polenta:
• Combine whipping cream, water and salt in heavy medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Gradually whisk in cornmeal. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir until polenta is thick, about 10 minutes. Mix in hot sauce. Season with pepper. Pour into 8-inch square glass baking dish. Chill until cold, about 1 hour. (Tapenade and polenta can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.)
• Cut polenta into 12 squares. Cut each square in half diagonally, forming 24 triangles. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat. Working in batches, add polenta triangles and sauté until golden, adding remaining 2 tablespoons oil as necessary, about 2 minutes per side for each batch. Transfer polenta to paper towels; drain.
• Divide tapenade among triangles. Arrange on platter. Garnish with parsley. Serve at room temperature.