Creamy Polenta With Braised Greens And Poached Eggs Recipes

CREAMY POLENTA WITH BRAISED GREENS AND POACHED EGGS

Steps:

• Make the chile oil: Combine the chopped chiles, olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan over low heat and cook 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate up to 1 week. (You will have about 1 1/4 cups chile oil.)
• Cook the polenta: Bring 3 cups cold water, the milk, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Gradually whisk in the polenta; whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring often, until tender and thickened but still creamy, about 30 minutes. Add more hot water as needed if the mixture seems too dry. Stir in the butter and cheese.
• Meanwhile, make the braised greens: Heat the olive oil in a large high-sided saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the greens, season with salt and pepper and toss. Reduce the heat to medium, stir in 1 cup water, cover and cook until wilted and soft, about 20 minutes. Remove the lid during the last 5 minutes to cook off any additional liquid. Stir in the red wine vinegar just before serving.
• Poach the eggs: Heat 3 cups water with the white vinegar until simmering in a large high-sided frying pan. Break each egg into a cup, then gently add to the water. Poach until the yolks are nearly set, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the eggs from the pan with a slotted spoon to drain the liquid and place on a plate. Season with salt and pepper.
• To serve, spoon some of the polenta into bowls, top with some of the greens and a poached egg per bowl. Drizzle with the chile oil and garnish with the chopped parsley.

6-MINUTE EGG ON CREAMY POLENTA WITH CRISPY SERRANO HAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F.
• On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, arrange the slices of ham and cover with another piece of parchment paper and another baking tray on top. This technique will ensure the Serrano stays flat while it cooks. Bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from oven and set aside on paper towel.
• For the polenta: In a heavy saucepan, combine the stock and milk. Add the cilantro and garlic and bring to a boil. Let simmer on medium heat for 2 minutes to flavor the mixture. Remove the cilantro and garlic. Whisk in the cornmeal and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often with a wooden spoon until the grains are soft. Fold in the Asiago cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm and covered.
• For the egg: In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil and drop in the eggs for 6 minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, run under cold water to shock the eggs and reserve. Before serving, rattle them around to crack the shell and peel them.
• In the same saucepan containing boiling water, cook the kale for 1 minute. Drain and reserve in an ice bath. In a saucepan on medium heat melt the butter. Squeeze out the excess liquid from the kale with your hands, chop it in half. Saute the kale with lemon juice for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• For Serving: Place a large spoon of polenta on each plate. Top with the kale, a soft boiled egg and garnish with more grated Asiago cheese and 2 slices of Serrano ham. Serve immediately. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or stock, cover the dish, and reheat in the microwave or over low heat. Whisk well before serving. Grate a dusting of Parmesan or other favored cheese over the top just before serving.