Indulge in a culinary journey to Northern Italy with our exquisite Polenta with Bacon and Sage recipe. This hearty and comforting dish, often served in the colder months, showcases the robust flavors of crispy bacon, aromatic sage, and creamy polenta. Polenta, a dish made from boiled cornmeal, takes center stage with its soft and smooth texture, providing a perfect canvas for the savory toppings. Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor, while fresh sage leaves infuse the dish with their earthy and slightly peppery notes. This versatile recipe also includes variations to cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. Discover a vegetarian version that swaps bacon for mushrooms, a vegan alternative that uses vegetable broth and nutritional yeast, and a gluten-free option that utilizes almond flour instead of cornmeal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, this Polenta with Bacon and Sage recipe is sure to impress with its simple yet delectable flavors.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CREAMY POLENTA WITH BACON AND SAGE
Water or stock can be substituted for any or all of the milk. The more milk you use, the creamier the polenta will be.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the bacon, and cook until crisp and golden, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon from saucepan; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- Add chopped sage to saucepan, and cook in the bacon fat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add milk, and bring to a boil.
- Add the polenta in a steady stream, whisking constantly until it is smooth and creamy, about 6 minutes. Whisk in the butter, and season with the salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl, and crumble the reserved bacon on top. Heat the olive oil, in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the whole sage leaves, and fry until crisp, about 30 seconds. Remove from the skillet, and scatter over the polenta.
SAGE POLENTA
Bits of sweet red pepper peek through these pretty polenta squares that have a slightly sweet corn flavor and are generously seasoned with sage. Serve this traditional ethnic side dish with Italian entrees...or even Southwestern fare, suggests our Test Kitchen staff.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large nonstick saucepan, saute the onion, red pepper and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in water and milk; bring to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in cornmeal, whisking constantly to prevent lumping. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until cornmeal is tender. , Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sage, salt and pepper. Spread into a 13-in. x 9-in. pan coated with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes or until firm., Cut into 12 squares. In a large nonstick skillet, cook polenta in batches in oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 143 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 386mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
MUSHROOM POLENTA
Creamy polenta topped with sautéed mushrooms is a classic heart-warming side dish. We've upped the umami flavor here by cooking the polenta in a mushroom broth, creating a delicious and rich version for the mushroom-lover in everyone.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms, season with salt and brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon each butter and fresh thyme and 1 minced shallot; cook 30 seconds. Meanwhile, simmer 3 cups mushroom broth and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Whisk in 3/4 cup quick-cooking polenta; stir until thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Top with the mushrooms, chopped parsley, more Parmesan and pepper.
CREAMY POLENTA WITH BACON AND SAGE
Steps:
- Place a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the bacon, and cook until crisp and golden, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the saucepan; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- Add the chopped sage to the saucepan, and cook in the bacon fat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the milk, and bring to a boil.
- Add the polenta in a steady stream, whisking constantly until it is smooth and creamy, about 6 minutes. Whisk in the butter, and season with the salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl, and crumble the reserved bacon on top. Heat the olive oil in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add the whole sage leaves, and fry until crisp, about 30 seconds. Remove from the skillet; scatter over the polenta. Serve immediately.
SAUSAGE POLENTA BAKE
Polenta makes a tasty base for sausage in a tomato sauce in this casserole.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 40m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, combine cornmeal and salt. Gradually add boiling water, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese. , Spread polenta into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage in oil over medium heat for 5 minutes or until no longer pink; drain. Add spaghetti sauce; cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. , Spread over polenta; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 12-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 311 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 887mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 14g protein.
POLENTA WITH BACON AND SAGE
Categories Side Thanksgiving Parmesan Bacon Cornmeal Corn Fall Sage Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 1/2 teaspoons fat from skillet. Add sage; sauté 1 minute. Add corn; sauté 1 minute. Add 5 1/2 cups water; increase heat to medium-high and bring to boil. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to low; cook until polenta begins to thicken, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. Stir in cream, cheese, and bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
- Available at Italian markets, natural foods stores, and some supermarkets. If unavailable, substitute an equal amount of regular yellow cornmeal, and cook mixture for about half the amount of time.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your polenta.
- Don't overcook the polenta. It should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slightly firm texture.
- Add your favorite toppings. You can add anything you like to your polenta, such as cheese, vegetables, or meat.
- Serve polenta immediately. It is best when it is fresh and hot.
Conclusion:
Polenta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a great option for a quick and easy meal, or it can be dressed up for a special occasion. With so many different topping options, there is sure to be a polenta recipe that everyone will enjoy.
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