Best 14 Sage Polenta Recipes

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Indulge in the creamy and savory goodness of Sage Polenta, a delectable dish that combines the rustic charm of polenta with the aromatic flavors of sage. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a hearty main course, a flavorful side dish, or incluso as a creamy addition to soups and stews.

Whether you prefer the classic Italian-style Polenta Concia with its rich, cheesy texture or the lighter, yet flavorful Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach, this article presents a collection of recipes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Discover the secrets of creating the perfect polenta, from selecting the right cornmeal to achieving the ideal consistency.

Explore variations such as Baked Polenta with Sausage and Peppers, which combines the smoky and spicy flavors of sausage with the sweetness of peppers, or the elegant Polenta with Shrimp and Asparagus, where tender shrimp and crisp asparagus elevate the dish to a sophisticated level.

For a vegan delight, try the hearty Polenta with Roasted Vegetables, where a medley of colorful vegetables add a delightful crunch and vibrant flavors. And if you're craving a comforting bowl of goodness, the Polenta and Bean Soup is sure to satisfy with its rich broth and wholesome ingredients.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SAGE POLENTA



Sage Polenta image

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

1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon butter
3 cups water
1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh sage
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons canola oil

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

RED-WINE BRAISED RABBIT WITH SAGE POLENTA



Red-Wine Braised Rabbit with Sage Polenta image

Categories     Herb     Braise     Valentine's Day     Fall     Gourmet

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
a 2 1/2- to 3-pound rabbit, thawed if frozen, cut into 7 or 8 serving pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons minced fresh sage leaves or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled
1 recipe basic polenta, kept warm
For basic polenta:
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cornmeal or instant polenta

Steps:

  • In a large bowl stir together flour and salt. Add rabbit and toss to coat. In a heavy kettle heat 2 tablespoons oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and brown rabbit in batches, transferring pieces to a bowl.
  • Add onion and remaining tablespoon oil to kettle and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned. Stir in garlic and rosemary and sauté, stirring, 1 minute. Add broth, wine, and rabbit with any juices accumulated in bowl and simmer, covered, 1 hour, or until rabbit is tender. Remove lid and simmer until sauce is thickened slightly. Stir in parsley.
  • Stir sage into warm polenta. Serve polenta topped with rabbit and sauce.
  • To make basic polenta:
  • In a heavy saucepan bring water and salt to a boil and gradually whisk in cornmeal in a thin stream. Cook polenta over moderately low heat (it should be barely boiling), stirring constantly, until very thick and pulls away from side of pan, about 40 minutes for cornmeal and about 15 minutes 2for instant polenta. Remove pan from heat and cover to keep warm. Stir polenta just before using. Polenta will keep warm, covered, about 20 minutes. Makes about 3 cups.
  • Note: In the traditional method of cooking polenta, forty minutes of constant stirring is required to achieve a lumpless texture and fragrant flavor. However, Italian-food expert Marcella Hazan has developed a method that involves very little stirring during this time. We believe it produces a very good polenta, one nearly as flavorful and smooth as the traditional procedure. To make satisfactory polenta in a real hurry, an imported instant polenta (precooked cornmeal) is available. This cooks in a mere fifteen minutes.

CREAMY POLENTA WITH BACON AND SAGE



Creamy Polenta with Bacon and Sage image

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

2 ounces thickly sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves, plus more whole leaves for garnish
4 cups milk
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons quick-cooking polenta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, or more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or more to taste
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (optional)

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.

QUICK POLENTA ROUNDS WITH SAGE BUTTER AND PARMESAN



Quick Polenta Rounds With Sage Butter and Parmesan image

This delicious and quick recipe calls for "1 tube prepared polenta" - Many grocery stores carry pre-made polenta in tubes in the refrigerator section which can be sliced into rounds. If you don't have access to pre-made polenta or wish to make your own, I recommend following RecipeZaar "Recipe #45131" (omitting only the last step). Alternately, you can make polenta to your liking, spreading it on a baking sheet while still hot in a 1/4" layer, and cool it in the fridge for an hour or until firm, then use a juice glass to cut small disks out of the polenta. I changed this recipe on 12/11/06 to reflect reviewers' feedback.

Provided by Whats Cooking

Categories     Corn

Time 13m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

cooking spray
1 (16 ounce) package prepared polenta (original, unflavored)
1/2 cup of freshly shredded parmesan cheese
romano cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Spray or spread cooking oil on the bottom and sides of a broiler-safe baking dish.
  • Cut polenta in 1/4" thick disks. Place these disks on the bottom of the greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly so that there is no space in between disks.
  • Sprinkle cheese evenly across the polenta.
  • In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add olive oil. When the butter/oil mixture is fully heated, immediately add sage, stirring constantly. Cook for no more than 30 seconds.
  • Add chopped garlic and sauté very briefly, until garlic starts to perfume the oil but has not yet browned. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and drizzle over polenta.
  • Broil for 3-5 minutes.

SAGE POLENTA



Sage Polenta image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Herb     Side     Vegetarian     Dinner     Sage     Hominy/Cornmeal/Masa     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

5 cups water, plus more as needed
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup coarse Italian polenta
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

Steps:

  • Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat, then add 2 teaspoons salt. Whisking constantly, add polenta in a slow, steady stream and return to a boil. Reduce heat to a very low simmer. Cover partially; cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is creamy and starting to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 40 minutes, adding sage in last 5 minutes. If polenta is too thick to stir, add more water (up to 1/2 cup), a little at a time, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in butter, and season with pepper and more salt, as desired. Serve hot.

FRIED POLENTA, EGGS, AND SAGE



Fried Polenta, Eggs, and Sage image

Firm polenta (or leftover wedges from dinner) can resurface at breakfast. Its nuttiness and slight sweetness complement the eggs and sage.Spooning the oil over the sage and eggs helps to fry the tops.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
8 pieces set polenta (about 1/3 batch) Basic Polenta (Soft or Set)
8 fresh sage leaves
4 large eggs
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Heat half the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the polenta, and cook, without flipping, until bottom is golden brown and polenta can be moved without tearing, 9 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, flip polenta, and move to edges of skillet.
  • Add half the sage and 2 eggs to center of skillet, and cook, spooning oil over sage and eggs, until polenta is crisp on bottom and egg whites are set, about 4 minutes. (Add up to 2 teaspoons more oil if needed.) Season with salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Divide among plates, and serve.

POLENTA WITH BACON AND SAGE



Polenta with Bacon and Sage image

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

1 cup coarsely chopped bacon (about 7 slices)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 10-ounce package frozen corn kernels, thawed
5 1/2 cups water
1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)*
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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.

CHANTERELLES WITH SAGE, ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN & POLENTA RECIPE - (4/5)



Chanterelles with Sage, Roasted Pork Tenderloin & Polenta Recipe - (4/5) image

Provided by Foodiewife

Number Of Ingredients 24

MUSHROOOMS:
1 pound Chanterelle mushrooms (you can substitute cremini mushrooms)
Olive oil
1 pat unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tablespoons fresh sage (or fresh parsley)
1/3 cup white wine (I used sauvignon blanc)
Salt
Pepper (optional)
POLENTA:
1 cup water
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup corn meal
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon salt
Chicken stock (optional)
PORK TENDERLOIN:
1 pork tenderloin, room temperature (to cook more evenly)
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
1 cup chicken stock
3 tablespoons boiled apple cider syrup (I buy online at King Arthur flour) or 1/2 cup Unsweetened apple cider
Splash white wine
1 pat unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Mushrooms: Against all I've been told, I washed the mushrooms really well, drained them and patted them dry. (I'm a bit rebellious). Otherwise, using a damp cloth, wipe them clean, removing any "woodsy" residue. Cut the end of them off, and cut into even 2" pieces. Add enough olive oil to evenly coat the bottom of a saute' pan. When it's hot (medium-high heat) add a pat of butter, then evenly space the mushrooms don't pile them up) and add a little salt. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until they brown a bit, then turn over. Add a splash of white wine (about 1/4 cup), and the fresh chopped sage and allow to cook, on medium, for another 3 to 4 minutes; add the garlic (don't add too soon, so it won't burn). Taste for seasoning, and add pepper, if desired. Pork: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Pat the pork very dry and season with salt & pepper. Heat a large oven-proof pan with enough olive oil to coat the bottom. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the pork tenderloin and sear until golden brown on all four sides (about 3 to 4 minutes per side). Place the entire pan into the oven and roast for approximately 20 to 25 minutes (until cooked to 145°F) Remove the pork from the oven, and set on a cutting board and loosely cover with foil. When read to serve, slice at a diagonal, on the bias. On high heat, add the chicken stock to the hot pan and loosen all the fond (brown bits) with a spatula. Add the boiled apple cider syrup (or the apple cider) and allow to reduce for about 5 minutes on high heat. Add the white wine and allow to reduce another five minutes. Add salt & pepper, to taste. Turn the heat off, and add the unsalted butter and whisk until smooth. Polenta: Bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the milk. Slowly whisk in the corn meal, which will begin to thicken very quickly. Reduce the heat. Add the Parmesan cheese and taste for seasoning. To keep the Polenta warm (up to 20 minutes), cover with a lid. To serve, if the Polenta is too thick, you can smooth it out by adding a little low-salt chicken stock, milk or water. To plate the entire menu: Place polenta in a large bowl (or plate), then add a few pork slices, then add the sauce along the side and over the pork. Top the dish with the Chanterelles, pour a glass of white wine and enjoy a restaurant quality meal!

ROASTED BUCKWHEAT POLENTA WITH SAGE CREAM SAUCE



Roasted Buckwheat Polenta With Sage Cream Sauce image

This is a traditional recipe from the Piedmont region of Italy. I usually get my buckwheat from a European market, but I have seen it in regular grocery stores near the specialty rices.

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Grains

Time 1h30m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup buckwheat groats
1 small baking potato
4 cups water
kosher salt
4 leeks, white part only sliced as thin as possible
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh sage, minced (can use dried sage)
fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated plus more for garnish

Steps:

  • Use a heavy skillet to toast the buckwheat groats, over medium heat, until they are lightly toasted (stir occasionally), about 12 minutes; remove from heat and set aside so they cool.
  • Once they are completely cooled, grind them, using a coarse setting, for form grits (they'll have the consistency of corn meal).
  • Simmer the potato in water until fork tender, about 25 minutes; remove the potato, but keep the water simmering in the pot.
  • Peel and mash the potato with a fork, then return to the pot of simmering water.
  • Add the ground buckwheat grits to the pot along with 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture becomes very thick, about 15 minutes (if it gets too thick, add a little water; also if it gets done before the sauce, remove from heat and cover).
  • Meanwhile, saute the leeks, in the butter, in a large skillet, until softened; reduce heat and add a pinch of salt, then cover and cook until very tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Stir in the cream, sage, and a few grinds of pepper; gently simmer until the cream reduces and thickens to a sauce-like consistency, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir the grated cheese into the polenta.
  • Serve the polenta in a shallow bowl, spoon the sauce on top, and garnish with more grated cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292, Fat 23, SaturatedFat 14.2, Cholesterol 79.3, Sodium 99.5, Carbohydrate 19.6, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 2.8, Protein 3.9

CRISPY POLENTA WITH SAGE AND SMOKED GOUDA



Crispy Polenta with Sage and Smoked Gouda image

A perfect side dish for chicken dishes, or a nice little appetizer. Don't forget some marinara to go with.

Provided by Ryan

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Polenta Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 ½ cups water
½ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
1 cup cornmeal
2 tablespoons butter
1 ½ tablespoons dried sage
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 cup grated smoked Gouda cheese
2 teaspoons butter

Steps:

  • Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan; slowly stir in corn meal. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook and stir until corn meal absorbs all the water, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons butter, sage, and rosemary. Add Gouda cheese; stir to incorporate.
  • Pour polenta into a pie plate. Refrigerate until solid and chilled, about 1 hour. Cut polenta into wedges or squares.
  • Heat 2 teaspoons butter in a skillet over medium heat; cook polenta pieces until crispy and warmed through, about 5 minutes per side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205.3 calories, Carbohydrate 19.3 g, Cholesterol 36.6 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 6.8 g, SaturatedFat 6.9 g, Sodium 400.5 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

PARMESAN SAGE POLENTA STICKS



Parmesan Sage Polenta Sticks image

Categories     Side     Bake     Parmesan     Cornmeal     Winter     Sage     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 28 polenta sticks

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups water
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon minced fresh sage leaves or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled
1 1/3 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 pound)

Steps:

  • Butter a 13- by 9-inch glass baking dish.
  • In a large heavy saucepan bring water to a boil and add salt. Add sage and 1/3 cup cornmeal, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and add remaining cup cornmeal in a slow stream, stirring constantly. Cook mixture over low heat, whisking, 1 minute and remove pan from heat.
  • Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1/3 cup Parmesan and stir polenta until butter is incorporated. Working quickly, spread polenta evenly in prepared dish and chill until firm, about 20 minutes. Polenta may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
  • Preheat broiler and line a baking sheet with foil.
  • In a small saucepan melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over low heat. Invert polenta onto a work surface. Halve polenta lengthwise and cut each half crosswise into 14 sticks. Arrange sticks on prepared baking sheet and brush with melted butter. Broil sticks about 4 inches from heat until golden, about 4 to 6 minutes. Turn sticks over and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Broil sticks until cheese is golden, about 2 to 3 minutes more.

PUMPKIN AND SAGE POLENTA



PUMPKIN AND SAGE POLENTA image

Categories     Cheese     Side

Yield 4-6 people

Number Of Ingredients 9

5 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium is best)
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground white pepper
1/8 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg (or a few grinds in a mill)
1 tsp. rubbed dried sage
1 cup yellow coarsely ground polenta (stone-ground if available)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup grated fontina cheese
1 to 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Steps:

  • 1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring the stock, salt, pepper, nutmeg and sage to a boil. Add the polenta in a slow, gentle stream, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to a very gentle simmer and continue whisking until polenta begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. 2. Using a wooden spoon, cook and stir the polenta from time to time until it is soft and creamy, about 20 minutes. If the polenta becomes too stiff, add a small amount of water. Add the pumpkin puree, cheese, and butter and stir to blend and melt the cheese and butter. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

BRISKET SUPPER WITH MUSHROOM-SAGE POLENTA



Brisket Supper with Mushroom-Sage Polenta image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 4h45m

Yield Serves 4 plus 1 1/2 pounds reserved meat for a second meal

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 (5 to 5 1/2 pounds) lean beef brisket
Sea or kosher salt and coarse black pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 medium onions, halved and sliced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
4 fresh bay leaves
A couple pinches ground cloves or allspice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine
2 cup chicken or beef stock
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
Polenta
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1 pound sliced mixed mushrooms
8 to 10 leaves fresh sage, very thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chicken stock plus 1 cup whole milk or 3 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons butter, optional
1 cup watercress or upland cress, arugula or fresh flat-leaf parsley tops, for garnish, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Season the meat liberally with salt and pepper. Add a couple of tablespoons olive oil to a large Dutch oven, a couple of turns of the pan, and heat over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown all over, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the meat from the pan and drain off meat fat if any accumulates. Add another turn or 2 of the pan with extra-virgin olive oil. Add onions, garlic, bay and season with salt and pepper, cook to tender 8 to 10 minutes, add in a few pinches cloves and stir in the tomato paste 1 minute. Next stir in the wine and deglaze the pan, then add the stock and canned diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Settle the meat back into the pot and cover. Bake 1 1/2 hours, then uncover and bake 1 hour to reduce the liquids, then place the cover back on and cook until very tender, 1 1/2 hours more.
  • Remove the brisket to the carving board and cover with foil to keep warm.
  • Reduce the sauce a few minutes, simmering gently, uncovered to thicken a bit.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat and add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until very tender, season with salt and pepper and stir in sage. Bring the stock-milk mixture to a boil in a saucepot and add the polenta. Whisk the polenta 2 to 3 minutes until it pulls away from the side of the pot. Add the butter, if using and fold in mushrooms.
  • Slice the brisket and serve with sauce over polenta with mushrooms. Cool half of the brisket and store for later in the week. Scatter a few bitter greens over the top for an optional garnish.

SQUAB WITH YOUNG MORELS, ROAST GARLIC AND SAGE POLENTA



Squab with Young Morels, Roast Garlic and Sage Polenta image

Provided by Food Network

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 large shallots
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 cup Zinfandel
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs thyme
10 to 15 black peppercorns
6 young squab
1 head garlic, separated into cloves, unpeeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups strong chicken broth
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup creme fraiche
10 leaves fresh sage, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
2 cups fresh morels, or 1/4 cup dried (soaked in hot water to reconstitute and towel dried)

Steps:

  • In small sauce pan saute shallots and chopped garlic in oil. Once they are soft, but not brown, transfer to a one-pint measuring cup. Add wine, bay leaves, thyme and peppercorns. In a nonreactive baking dish place squab, breast down, along bottom. Pour shallot marinade oven squab, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In a preheated 375 degree oven, place squab, breast-side up in baking dish. Discard marinade. Roast squab for 40 - 50 minutes, or until juices of breast meat turn clear when you poke with a fork. Serve with roasted garlic and polenta.
  • For the Roast Garlic and Sage Polenta: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In bowl toss garlic in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil and roast in oven for 30 minutes. Remove and let cool. Peel cloves. In large saucepan add chicken broth and garlic. Bring to a boil and let simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, preferably overnight. Remove garlic from broth, set aside, and bring broth to a boil. Slowly add the cornmeal, whisking constantly until fully incorporated, and mixture thickens. Lower heat and cook polenta for 20 minutes, stirring periodically. Add butter, creme fraiche, sage, salt, and pepper just before serving. Stir well to incorporate. In large saute pan saute morels in remaining oil over a high heat. Serve with squab.

Tips:

  • Use fresh sage. Fresh sage has a more intense flavor than dried sage, and it will make your polenta taste more delicious.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan. When you are cooking the polenta, don't overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the polenta from cooking evenly.
  • Stir the polenta frequently. Stirring the polenta frequently will help to prevent it from sticking to the pan and will also help to distribute the heat evenly.
  • Be patient. Polenta takes a little time to cook, so be patient. Don't rush the process, or you will end up with undercooked polenta.
  • Season the polenta to taste. Once the polenta is cooked, season it to taste with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs.

Conclusion:

Sage polenta 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 nutty flavor, sage polenta is a surefire hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you are looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give sage polenta a try. You won't be disappointed!

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