Laurens Pesto Polenta Bites Recipes

LAUREN'S PESTO POLENTA BITES

Steps:

• Place a grill pan in an oven and preheat to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). (If using a countertop induction oven, preheat on the "Grill" setting.)
• Brush polenta slices with olive oil; season with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Transfer to heated grill pan.
• Grill in the preheated oven until golden brown, flipping halfway through, about 12 minutes in the conventional oven and 6 minutes in the countertop induction oven.
• Combine basil, lemon juice, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor; pulse a few times until chopped. Pour in 1/2 cup olive oil in a steady stream, with the processor running, until pesto is smooth. Add Parmesan cheese; pulse until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.
• Arrange polenta slices on a platter. Divide prosciutto over slices; top each with 1 to 2 tablespoons pesto. Garnish with roasted red peppers.

CRISP PARMESAN, OLIVE & SUNDRIED TOMATO POLENTA BITES

Steps:

• Pour the stock into a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the polenta, and stir continuously over a medium heat for 3-4 mins until thickened and just coming away from the edges of the pan. Add the olives, tomatoes, oil and most of the parmesan, and stir for a further minute until well combined. Season.
• Spoon the polenta mixture onto a lined swiss roll tray or baking sheet. Place another sheet of baking parchment on top and roll out to 1cm thick, then remove the top sheet of parchment and scatter with the remaining parmesan. Leave the polenta to cool at room temperature for 1 hr to set. Alternatively, if you're making it ahead, leave to cool and chill for several hours or overnight.
• Once the polenta has set, heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut or stamp the polenta sheet into shapes of your choice, and arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment. Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and crisp, and serve warm. Will keep for up to a day in the fridge.