Polenta with Peas and Pancetta: A Culinary Journey Through Italian Flavors
Polenta with Peas and Pancetta is a classic Italian dish that embodies the essence of rustic Italian cooking. Its origins can be traced back to the humble kitchens of Northern Italy, where polenta, a porridge made from cornmeal, was a staple food. This versatile dish has undergone countless variations over time, resulting in a diverse array of recipes that showcase the culinary creativity of Italy.
In this article, we will embark on a culinary journey through the world of polenta with peas and pancetta, exploring three distinct recipes that capture the essence of this hearty and flavorful dish. From a classic Northern Italian version to a contemporary take with a burst of fresh herbs, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Italy.
The first recipe, Polenta Concia, is a traditional dish from the Valtellina region of Lombardy. This comforting dish features creamy polenta topped with melted cheese, crispy pancetta, and a sprinkling of aromatic herbs. The gooey cheese and savory pancetta create a delightful contrast to the soft polenta, making it an irresistible dish for cheese lovers.
Next up is Polenta with Peas and Pancetta, a vibrant dish that showcases the colors and flavors of spring. Fresh peas add a touch of sweetness to the dish, while pancetta provides a salty and smoky balance. The polenta is cooked in a flavorful broth, infusing it with a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Finally, we have Polenta with Sausage and Rapini, a robust dish that combines the bold flavors of sausage and rapini with the comforting texture of polenta. The sausage adds a hearty and savory element to the dish, while the rapini contributes a slightly bitter note that balances the richness of the other ingredients. This recipe is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
So, prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure as we delve into the world of polenta with peas and pancetta. Let's explore these three delightful recipes and discover the diverse flavors that make this dish a beloved classic in Italian cuisine.
PEAS & PANCETTA
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a medium (10-inch) saute pan, add the pancetta and shallot, and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta is browned and the shallot is tender. Add the frozen peas, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook over medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until the peas are hot. Stir in the mint, taste for seasonings, and serve hot.
SKILLET GREENS WITH RUNNY EGGS, PEAS AND PANCETTA
Whether you serve it for brunch or supper, this dish of skillet-baked eggs, greens and crunchy bits of pancetta is a light but deeply savory meal. In spring, ramps give the chard a particularly pungent kick, but milder scallions work just as well and are a lot easier to find all year round. If you want to make this vegetarian-friendly, skip the pancetta and add a dusting of cheese right at the end. Serve this with a side of toasted country bread or scoop it out onto a bed of buttery polenta.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories breakfast, weekday, one pot, vegetables, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Add pancetta and 1 tablespoon oil to a 10-inch skillet and turn the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fat has rendered and the pancetta is golden brown and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate.
- To the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoon oil, ramp or scallion whites, and chard stems, and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic, salt and red pepper and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the chard leaves, ramp or scallion greens, and broth, set the heat to medium-low, and cook partly covered, until very soft and silky, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. If using fresh peas, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking; if using frozen peas, stir them in when the greens are cooked.
- Crack eggs into the greens. Season eggs with salt and pepper, then cover pan completely and cook until eggs are cooked to taste, 5 minutes for very runny, 7 minutes for jammy. Sprinkle with pancetta and serve with toast if you like.
POLENTA WITH ASPARAGUS, PEAS AND MINT
Buttery polenta serves as a soft, savory bed for asparagus and peas in this verdant, vegetable-rich main course. Sautéed shallots add sweetness, while fresh mint lends brightness to a satisfying yet light meal. You can substitute any soft herbs for the mint or use a combination for the most complex flavor. And, if you're short on time, instant polenta will work in place of regular, too. Just follow the directions on the package to cook it.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories pastas, main course
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- If cooking polenta on stovetop: In a medium pot over high heat, combine 4 1/2 cups water, polenta and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how finely the polenta is ground (coarse-ground polenta takes longer).
- Alternatively, cook polenta in oven: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium Dutch oven or other oven-safe pot over high heat, bring 4 1/2 cups water, polenta and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to thicken slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Cover pot and transfer to the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then give the mixture a stir. If it looks dry, add another 1/2 cup water. Cover the pot once more, and continue to bake for another 20 to 30 minutes.
- When polenta is thick and creamy, stir in 2 to 4 of the tablespoons butter (depending on how buttery you like it) and the Parmesan. Taste and add more Parmesan and salt, if needed.
- As the polenta cooks, prepare the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add shallots and sauté until tender and golden, 4 to 6 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute or two, until fragrant and very lightly golden in spots. Add vermouth and cook until alcohol evaporates, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in asparagus and peas, and cook until vegetables are glossy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add stock, remaining 2 tablespoons butter and a large pinch of salt, and bring to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens slightly, 2 to 8 minutes. (Thicker asparagus will take longer to soften.) Stir in the mint. Taste and add more salt, if needed.
- To serve, spoon polenta into bowls, top with vegetables and their sauce, and grind on lots of fresh pepper. Finish with shaved Parmesan.
POLENTA
Simple directions on how to cook plain polenta. There are many options for polenta once it is cooked: you can mix in fresh herbs and cheeses, bake it, or fry it! Experiment and choose your favorite technique!
Provided by IDAJ
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Bring water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Pour in polenta steadily, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until polenta is thickened. It should come away from sides of the pan, and be able to support a spoon. This can take anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes. Pour polenta onto a wooden cutting board, let stand for a few minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 110.4 calories, Carbohydrate 23.5 g, Fat 1.1 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 10.7 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
PEAS AND PANCETTA
An Italian side dish special. Simple but full of flavor.
Provided by Anonymous
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Green Peas
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat; cook and stir pancetta and onion in the hot oil until pancetta is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir peas, white wine, thyme, salt, and pepper into pancetta mixture; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender and liquid is slightly reduced, 3 to 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.2 calories, Carbohydrate 17 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 9.1 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 7.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 232.2 mg, Sugar 6.6 g
Tips:
- Use fresh peas for the best flavor. If using frozen peas, thaw them completely before cooking.
- Pancetta adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. If you don't have pancetta, you can use bacon or prosciutto instead.
- Polenta is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
- To make polenta, use a heavy-bottomed pot and bring the water to a boil before adding the polenta. Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Once the polenta is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before stirring in the peas, pancetta, and Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion:
Polenta with peas and pancetta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. With its creamy texture and smoky flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
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