Baked Polenta Squares With Mediterranean Toppings Recipes

CREAMY OVEN-BAKED POLENTA (WITH TOPPINGS)

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 350°F.
• In a baking dish that's close to 9x13 in size, combine the cornmeal, water, butter or olive oil and salt. Mix well with a fork or whisk.
• Carefully put the baking dish in the oven, being careful not to slosh water over the side.
• Bake the polenta uncovered for 40 minutes. You don't need to stir or check on the polenta while it bakes, just let it do its thing.
• After 40 minutes, stir the polenta and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes until the polenta has absorbed all of the water and the texture is no longer runny. It will start setting around the edges first. If the texture in the middle looks like cake batter, you need to bake it longer. The texture should be soft, but not watery. Taste the polenta - if it's bitter, that's a sign that the cornmeal is still slightly raw and hasn't cooked long enough.
• When the polenta is done, add salt as needed and top the polenta with your favorite toppings.

FRIED POLENTA SQUARES WITH CREAMY MUSHROOM RAGU

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Whisk in the polenta. Once it begins to thicken, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes until creamy and thick, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Stir in the Parmesan and a 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until melted and cheese is no longer visible. Remove from heat.
• Line an 8x11 inch baking dish with Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil and carefully pour the polenta into the baking dish, using a spatula to smooth it to an even thickness, about 3/4 inch. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to two days until firm.
• While the polenta chills, make your ragu. In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and saute until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent browning. Add mushrooms and thyme and cook over medium-high heat until the mushrooms start to release their liquid. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and continue to cook another 5 minutes until they begin to soften more.
• Add flour, stirring, until it is no longer visible, about 1 minute. Add in the wine, cream and sugar, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Taste and adjust salt if desired. Simmer until thick and creamy and the mushrooms are nicely coated, about 15 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup minced parsley. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
• Slice your polenta into squares -- whatever size you desire. Wipe down your skillet, coat it with nonstick cooking spray, and heat it over medium-high. Fry the squares in the pan until golden brown and warmed through. To serve, top the squares with warm mushroom ragu.

BAKED POLENTA SQUARES WITH MEDITERRANEAN TOPPINGS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place polenta about 1/2 inch apart on an oiled baking sheet, and bake, flipping halfway through, until crisp, about 45 minutes total. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes. Top as desired. Serve warm.