Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes: A Delightful and Versatile Dish
Polenta, a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal, is a versatile and delectable meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. This article offers a collection of polenta recipes that showcase its versatility, from a classic Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes to creative variations like Polenta with Mushrooms and Pancetta and Polenta with Shrimp and Chorizo. Each recipe is carefully crafted to highlight the unique flavors and textures of polenta, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a hearty main course, a satisfying side dish, or a comforting breakfast option, these polenta recipes are sure to please your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Dive into the culinary world of polenta and explore the endless possibilities it has to offer.
SAUTEED POLENTA WITH ROASTED TOMATOES
Steps:
- For the polenta: Bring 6 cups water and the salt to a boil over high heat in a medium (6-quart) heavy-bottom pot. Bring remaining 4 cups water to a simmer over medium heat in a small saucepan.
- Gradually add polenta to the large pot while whisking constantly. Switch to a wooden spoon once mixed in with no lumps. Cook until cornmeal has absorbed all of the water, about 3 minutes. Lower heat until only one or two large bubbles break the surface at a time (over medium-low or low, adjusting heat as necessary).
- Stir 2 ladles of simmering water into polenta and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until water has been absorbed, about 5 minutes. Continue to add 2 ladles of water every 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent polenta from scorching and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more, until polenta is creamy and just pulls away from sides of pot, about 45 minutes. (It may be necessary to adjust heat.)
- Stir in butter and season with pepper. Use a damp spoon or ladle to transfer polenta to a parchment-lined small rimmed baking sheet and chill until firm.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees for the tomatoes.
- Make the tomatoes: In a shallow baking dish, combine garlic, tarragon, sugar, vinegar, and oil. Add tomatoes and toss to combine; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to oven and bake until soft, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- To finish: Invert chilled polenta onto work surface and remove parchment paper. Trim edges and cut polenta into 4 inch squares. Cut squares in half on the diagonal to form triangles. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saute pan. Sear triangles on each side until light golden, about 2 minutes per side. Serve polenta with roasted tomatoes and fresh ricotta. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and sprinkle with fleur de sel.
POLENTA WITH ROASTED TOMATOES AND GOAT CHEESE
This was a last minute fix when I remembered one of my dinner guests was gluten free and couldnt eat the pasta I was preparing. Came out so elegant! Homemade polenta is surprisingly easy and 100x better than store bought. If you haven't tried it before, you are in for a treat.
Provided by sofie-a-toast
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 50m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375. Grease a large baking sheet with a little of the olive oil.
- Place tomatoes in pan cut side down and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until they start to char and shrivel (no need to turn over), 40-50min. Let cool on the pan a bit.
- For the Polenta: Boil the milk and water together.
- Whisk in the cornmeal and salt. Turn down the heat and stir constantly until the polenta is suspended in the water and no longer settles to the bottom of the pot. It's done in about 15 minutes (still stirring often), but is supposedly even better if you cook it for about an hour - I wouldn't know, I'm always too impatient :).
- Take of the stove and stir in the butter or olive oil and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
- Place a mound of polenta in the center of each plate. Top with goat cheese, roasted tomato, basil and pine nuts.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 516.3, Fat 28, SaturatedFat 8.8, Cholesterol 34, Sodium 828.6, Carbohydrate 57, Fiber 6.3, Sugar 3.9, Protein 13.5
POLENTA PIZZAS WITH ROASTED TOMATOES AND OLIVES
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Line 15x10-inch rimmed baking sheet with foil. Combine 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil. Gradually add polenta, whisking until smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until polenta thickens and pulls away from sides of pan, whisking frequently, about 30 minutes for polenta and 15 minutes for yellow cornmeal. Whisk in butter and 1 teaspoon oregano. Pour out polenta onto prepared baking sheet; spread evenly to edges of sheet. Chill until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Line another large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange tomato slices in single layer on prepared sheet. Sprinkle tomatoes with 1/2 teaspoon sugar, then some salt. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil. Roast until tomatoes are tender but sides are firm and slices still hold together, about 2 hours. Cool. (Polenta and tomatoes can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.)
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line another large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using 1 3/4- to 2-inch-diameter cookie cutter, cut out 24 rounds from polenta. Place rounds in single layer on prepared sheet. Top each round with 1 tomato slice. Sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon oregano. Top each with 2 or 3 olive halves. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil, then sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake polenta pizzas until heated through and cheese melts, about 10 minutes. Serve warm.
Tips:
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes: This will ensure the best flavor for your dish.
- Roast the tomatoes at a high temperature: This will help to caramelize the sugars in the tomatoes and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when roasting the tomatoes: This will prevent them from steaming instead of roasting.
- Season the polenta with salt and pepper to taste: This will help to balance out the flavors of the dish.
- Serve the polenta immediately: This will prevent it from becoming too thick and gummy.
Conclusion:
Polenta with roasted tomatoes is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy texture and tangy tomato flavor, polenta with roasted tomatoes is a surefire hit that will please everyone at your table.
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