**Baked Polenta with Onions and Bacon: A Savory and Satisfying Dish**
Polenta, a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal, is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. Baked polenta with onions and bacon is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the creamy texture of polenta with the savory flavors of bacon and caramelized onions. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting meal or as a side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Additionally, the article provides variations of this classic recipe, including a vegan version made with vegetable broth and a creamy version made with Parmesan cheese. With its simple ingredients and delicious taste, baked polenta is a dish that will surely become a favorite in any kitchen.
CREAMY BAKED POLENTA WITH HERBS AND GREEN ONIONS
Categories Milk/Cream Onion Side Bake Vegetarian New Year's Eve Parmesan Cornmeal Winter Thyme Parsley Monterey Jack Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour 6 cups water into 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Whisk polenta, salt, and pepper into water. Bake uncovered 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in small skillet over medium heat. Add green onions and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in parsley and thyme, then cream. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Stir polenta to blend. Stir green onion mixture, cheese, and lemon peel into polenta. Continue to bake uncovered until polenta is creamy and liquid is completely absorbed, about 10 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes; serve.
POLENTA WITH CABBAGE, BEANS, AND BACON
Categories Bean Pork Vegetable Side Fall Gourmet Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Serves 4 as a main course or 8 as a side dish
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- To make polenta:
- In a heavy kettle cook bacon over moderate heat until brown. Increase heat to moderately high and add onion and cabbage with salt to taste. Sauté mixture, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and begin to brown.
- Add beans and water and bring to a boil. Gradually stir in cornmeal with salt to taste in a thin stream, stirring constantly, and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until polenta is thick and pulls away from side of kettle, about 40 minutes. Stir in oil.
- Serve polenta sprinkled with Parmesan.
- To cook borlotto* or pinto beans:
- In a saucepan simmer beans (1/2 cup dried beans) in 4 cups water, covered, 45 minutes, or until tender, and remove pan from heat. Cool beans in cooking liquid and drain. Beans may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.
- *available at specialty foods shops
POLENTA AND BACON WITH FONTINA
Categories Cheese Pork Side Sauté Parmesan Corn Fall Hominy/Cornmeal/Masa Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 6 side-dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Sauté chopped bacon in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to bowl. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons drippings. Add onion and garlic to drippings in skillet and sauté until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, corn, and bacon; bring to boil. Gradually add cornmeal, whisking constantly. Cook until polenta is soft and thick, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. Add Fontina and Parmesan, stirring until melted, about 2 minutes. Stir in chopped parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl and serve hot.
- Available at Italian markets, natural foods stores, and some supermarkets. If unavailable, substitute 1 cup of regular yellow cornmeal, and cook mixture for about 10 minutes.
Tips:
- Use coarse polenta: This will give your polenta a more rustic, hearty texture. If you only have fine polenta, you can cook it for a shorter amount of time to achieve a similar texture.
- Season your polenta well: Polenta is a blank canvas, so don't be afraid to season it generously. Salt and pepper are a must, but you can also add herbs, spices, and grated cheese to taste.
- Cook your polenta until it is creamy and tender: Polenta should be cooked until it is creamy and tender, but not mushy. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of polenta you are using, so be sure to follow the package directions.
- Let your polenta cool slightly before serving: This will help it to set and firm up.
- Serve your polenta with your favorite toppings: Polenta is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings. Some popular options include sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and marinara sauce.
Conclusion:
Polenta is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give polenta a try. You won't be disappointed!
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