**Polenta Egg Cups: A Journey of Flavor and Texture**
Polenta egg cups are culinary gems that combine the rustic charm of polenta with the richness of eggs, resulting in a delectable and visually stunning dish. Originating from Northern Italy, polenta, a staple made from cornmeal, takes center stage in this recipe. Its versatility allows for various interpretations, giving rise to three distinct recipes within this article.
In the first recipe, classic polenta egg cups shine with their simplicity and comforting flavors. The polenta is cooked until creamy and poured into muffin tins, creating individual cups that cradle perfectly cooked eggs. A sprinkle of cheese adds a touch of savoriness, while a garnish of fresh herbs brings a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
The second recipe introduces a delightful twist with the addition of roasted vegetables. The vibrant colors and textures of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes complement the creamy polenta and eggs, elevating the dish to a vibrant and wholesome meal.
For those seeking a more indulgent experience, the third recipe incorporates crispy prosciutto and gooey mozzarella cheese. The salty prosciutto adds a layer of umami, while the melted mozzarella creates a rich and satisfying牽絲 texture. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a final touch of herbaceousness, completing this luxurious culinary creation.
Polenta egg cups are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you prefer the classic simplicity, the vibrant flavors of roasted vegetables, or the decadent combination of prosciutto and mozzarella, these recipes offer something for every palate. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.
MEDITERRANEAN POLENTA CUPS
Need a special appetizer that stands out in a crowd? Our Test Kitchen uses garlic, basil and feta cheese to lend flavor to these scrumptious bite-size treats.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 45m
Yield 2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large heavy saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil; slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon for 15-20 minutes or until polenta is thickened and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan. Remove from the heat; stir in thyme and pepper. , Spoon heaping tablespoonfuls into miniature muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Using the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each. Cover and chill until set. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, feta cheese, basil and garlic. , Unmold polenta cups and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Top each with 1 heaping tablespoon of tomato mixture. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 26 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 62mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CAJUN BAKED EGGS WITH POLENTA
Eat eggs for dinner! They're one of the few foods that contain vitamin D, which helps protect your bones.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the andouille and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the bell pepper and celery, toss to coat and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the scallions, garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook until slightly softened, about 30 seconds. Pour in the tomatoes and 1/4 cup water; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Brush the polenta slices on both sides with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil; arrange on a baking sheet. Broil until crisp around the edges, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Using the back of a spoon, make 8 spaces in the tomato sauce for the eggs. Crack in the eggs, cover and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, 6 to 8 minutes. Top with the parsley, celery leaves and more Cajun seasoning. Serve with the polenta.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 460, Fat 26 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Cholesterol 398 milligrams, Sodium 1117 milligrams, Carbohydrate 32 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 25 grams, Sugar 11 grams
HOW TO MAKE PERFECT POLENTA
Polenta is nothing more than coarsely ground cornmeal. The classic ratio is 1 part polenta to 4 parts water, but I like to measure the polenta just a little scant of a full cup. I often use chicken broth instead of water. It's a perfect base for any kind of saucy meat or mushroom ragout.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until all polenta is stirred in and there are no lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often, until polenta starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Polenta mixture should still be slightly loose. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 to 6 minutes. When polenta is too thick to whisk, stir with a wooden spoon. Polenta is done when texture is creamy and the individual grains are tender.
- Turn off heat and gently stir 2 tablespoons butter into polenta until butter partially melts; mix 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into polenta until cheese has melted. Cover and let stand 5 minutes to thicken; stir and taste for salt before transferring to a serving bowl. Top polenta with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 291.2 calories, Carbohydrate 31 g, Cholesterol 33.4 mg, Fat 14.7 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 9.2 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 1186.1 mg, Sugar 2 g
CORN POLENTA WITH BAKED EGGS
This baked polenta is an extremely adaptable pantry dinner, and it works just as well without a stash of summer corn. (Of course, if you carefully sliced some off, and froze them after the summer, feel free to use them here.) You can use just about any kind of hearty chopped green here, and any full flavored cheese such as feta, blue cheese, Parmesan or an aged Cheddar. The eggs round out the dish, but feel free to leave them out for a satisfying side dish. (This recipe is part of the From the Pantry series, started in the days after the coronavirus lockdown.)
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories main course
Time 45m
Yield 3 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. In an ovenproof skillet over medium heat, melt butter. (If you like, you can let it bubble and turn brown, about 5 minutes.)
- Stir in the corn kernels (frozen, fresh, canned, or leave the corn out entirely). Let sizzle for a few minutes, then add broth, polenta and kosher salt. Whisk until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- At this point, add a handful of chopped herbs and a couple of sliced scallions or a shallot, if using. Add the greens, if using. Stir in cheese, if using. Stir in sliced olives or roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes, if using.
- Cover the pan. (Aluminum foil or a pasta pot lid will work if you don't have a covered skillet.) Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and give it all a good stir with a whisk. Cover once more, and bake for another 15 to 25 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the polenta is tender.
- Add eggs: Use a spoon to make 4 to 6 divots in the polenta, and crack an egg in each. Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the eggs are cooked to taste. You can run it under the broiler for a few seconds to set the jiggly whites, but it's risky because you might overcook the yolks.
- Crack lots of pepper on top, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and strew with herbs and maybe more cheese before serving. Serve alongside a green salad.
CHORIZO EGG CUPS
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 35m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Butter a nonstick regular size muffin tin with 12 muffin cups or 2 (6-muffin) cups.
- For the polenta:
- In a medium-sized stock pot over medium heat, bring the milk and stock to a bubble.
- While the liquids are heating up place a small skillet over medium-high heat with 1 turn of the pan of olive oil, about 1 tablespoon. Add the chorizo and cook until crispy 2 to 3 minutes.
- Once the liquids come up to a bubble slowly whisk in the polenta and continue whisking until it begins to thicken and resemble hot oatmeal about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and add in the cheese, chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons butter and crispy chorizo. Pour the polenta into the muffin tins, 1/2 of the way up the muffin cup.
- Once all the cups are filled, form a well with the back of a spoon by pushing the polenta up the side until it reaches the top rim of the muffin tin. The well will be relatively large but that's ok, you want the egg to have a little nesting place so it won't overflow out of the tin. Once you have made all the wells, crack an egg into each of the polenta filled cups. Season the tops of the eggs with some salt and pepper. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes; yolk will still be a little runny. Once done, remove from the oven and let sit. Run a small butter knife around the edges of the polenta to loosen from the sides of the muffin tin. Gently help them out of the muffin tins with a fork or a knife and serve plated or on a platter.
CHEESY BREAKFAST EGG AND POLENTA CASSEROLE
If you've had the pleasure of a cheesy polenta dinner, topped with a creamy-yolked egg, you can imagine how good that combination is at breakfast. This quick casserole for a crowd is exactly that, made elegant and easy so you can have a perfectly cooked portion for each person with very little work. Layer your polenta with anything you desire, whether salami or ham - or keep it vegetable-centric with spinach or oven-roasted tomatoes. Make nests between your toppings and the polenta where the eggs will cook slowly, giving you a soft-cooked finish that's loaded with flavor.
Provided by Sarah Copeland
Categories breakfast, brunch, casseroles, main course
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400 degrees with the rack in the center. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch pan and set aside.
- Bring 4 cups water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta and salt, and cook, stirring constantly until the polenta bubbles and pulls away from the pan, about 3 minutes. Vigorously stir in the milk, butter and cheese until smooth and creamy. (It will seem loose.)
- Spread the polenta onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Layer with meat, greens or anything else you desire. Use the back of a large spoon to create 8 small wells in the polenta. Crack the eggs inside, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how set you like your eggs. Let stand for 5 minutes; sprinkle with black pepper and basil and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 244, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 275 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
POLENTA EGG CUPS
I watched Rachael Ray make a version of this on tv one morning while I was battling the elliptical machine at the gym. Not fair. But it looked scrumptious, so I found the recipe as soon as I got home, and made a note to try it (in moderation, of course!) as soon as possible. I modified it a bit to suit my taste. Here I share it with you, minus the elliptical torture. Aren't you getting off easy this time?
Provided by Susiecat too
Categories Breakfast
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Pre-heat oven to 425°F.
- Butter a nonstick muffin tin (regular size, with six muffin cups).
- Bring the milk and vegetable stock to a low boil in a medium size stockpot over medium heat.
- Slowly whisk in the polenta and continue whisking until it begins to thicken and resemble hot oatmeal, about 3-4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, add in the cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the polenta into the muffin tin, halfway up each muffin cup. Once all the cups are filled, form a well with the back of a spoon by pushing the polenta up the sides until it reaches the top rim (dip the spoon in water so it won't stick to the polenta).
- The well will be relatively large, but that's okay - you want the egg to have a little nesting place so it won't overflow out of the tin.
- Once you have made all the wells, crack an egg into each of the polenta-filled cups.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, until firm (the yolk will still be a little runny). Remove from the oven and let sit a few minutes to cool enough to handle.
- In a medium size serving bowl, mix together the arugula, basil and lemon juice. Drizzle with some olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper.
- To serve the polenta egg cups, run a small butter knife around the edges of the polenta to loosen it from the sides of the muffin tin. Gently pry out with a fork or a knife and serve with the salad alongside.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 267.6, Fat 21.1, SaturatedFat 8.1, Cholesterol 236.1, Sodium 151.1, Carbohydrate 11.5, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 1.2, Protein 9.1
POACHED EGGS & POLENTA
Steps:
- Heat a lightly greased griddle over medium heat. Place polenta slices and bacon on griddle; cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove and keep warm., Place 2-3 in. of water in a large saucepan or skillet with high sides; add vinegar. Bring to a boil; adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Break cold eggs, one at a time, into a small bowl; holding the bowl close to the surface of the water, slip each egg into water. Cook, uncovered, 3-5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt until smooth; gradually whisk in milk, cheeses and, if desired, sherry. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in spinach., For each serving, top two polenta slices with a slice of bacon and 1/4 cup sauce. Using a slotted spoon, lift egg out of water; place on sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 269 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 213mg cholesterol, Sodium 788mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.
BACON-WRAPPED EGGS WITH POLENTA
Categories Egg Breakfast Brunch Bake Bacon Cornmeal Spring Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- For polenta:
- Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add green onions and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Add 3 cups water and salt; bring to boil. Gradually whisk in polenta. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thick and creamy, stirring occasionally, about 13 minutes. Stir in cheese and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Cool to lukewarm. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate; polenta will become firm.)
- For baked eggs:
- Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon; fry until beginning to brown but still pliable, about 4 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Cool slightly. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings for Spring Greens with Sherry Vinaigrette.
- Line sides of eight 1 1/4-cup custard cups with 2 slices bacon each, forming collar. Place 1/2 slice bacon on bottom of each cup. Divide polenta among cups, about generous 1/3 cup each. Press polenta over bottom and up sides of bacon. Mix cheeses in bowl. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese mixture over polenta in each cup. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Crack 1 egg into center of each cup. Sprinkle eggs with remaining cheese, green onions, thyme, and black pepper. Transfer cups to rimmed baking sheet. Bake until egg whites are almost set, about 20 minutes. Let eggs stand at room temperature 5 minutes (eggs will continue to cook).
- Run small sharp knife around edge of cups; tilt cups and slide bacon, polenta, and egg onto plates and serve.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh polenta, eggs, and vegetables will give you the best results.
- Cook the polenta according to the package directions: This will ensure that the polenta is cooked properly and has the right consistency.
- Season the polenta with salt and pepper: This will help to enhance the flavor of the polenta.
- Add your favorite vegetables: You can add any vegetables that you like to the polenta egg cups. Some good options include spinach, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
- Use a variety of cheeses: You can use any type of cheese that you like in the polenta egg cups. Some good options include cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and feta.
- Bake the polenta egg cups until they are set: This will take about 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion:
Polenta egg cups are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are perfect for using up leftover polenta and vegetables. You can also get creative with the ingredients and make different variations of the recipe. For example, you could try using different types of polenta, vegetables, cheeses, or herbs. Polenta egg cups are a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal.
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