Polenta Steaks With Asparagus Pesto Cherry Tomatoes And Burrata Recipes

MUSHROOM TOPPED STEAKS WITH CREAMY POLENTA

Steps:

• Melt butter in a pan, add mushrooms and garlic, cook until mushrooms soften and are browned slightly. Add wine, balsamic vinegar, sugar and beef stock, stir to combine and add pepper to taste.
• Meanwhile combine water, milk and chicken stock in a saucepan, bring to the boil, gradually stir in polenta. Reduce heat, stir until polenta thickens, add cheeses and stir to combine, stir in spinach. (I usually cook my steaks while making polenta and let them rest while I stir in the cheeses and spinach, but it will keep warm over a low heat stir occasionally to prevent bottom from burning.).
• Season steaks with salt and pepper. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and cook steaks until desired doneness. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the steaks.
• To Serve: Place a few spoonfuls of polenta on a plate top with steak and mound steak with mushrooms, drizzled with balsamic sauce.

GRILLED HERB POLENTA WITH ASPARAGUS, TOMATOES AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Bring 2 of the cups of water to the boil and slowly add the polenta and herbs , whisking all the time. This ensures the polenta won't form lumps.
• Reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon.
• When the polenta becomes too thick, add the remaining water a little at a time.
• Line a tray with cling film and spread the polenta about 1 inch thick using the back of a spoon. Cool overnight. Once cooled, cut into shapes brush with oil and season with salt and pepper and grill on hot grill.
• Heat the balsamic vinegar, garlic and sugar in a saucepan. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the asparagus and cook for 3 minute.
• To serve: arrange the polenta shapes on serving dishes, top with the asparagus and tomatoes, shave over the parmesan and drizzle with a little olive oil. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lots of fresh crusty bread.

FLANK STEAK WITH CRISPY POLENTA AND ROASTED SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Method
• To prepare the vinaigrette: Place the shallots and 3/4 cup of the olive oil in a small ovenproof pan and cover tightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the shallots are soft. Let the shallots cool in the olive oil, and then remove, reserving the oil. Julienne the shallots and put them in a bowl. Add the balsamic vinegar and slowly whisk in the reserved olive oil. Add the chopped chives and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• To prepare the polenta: Cook the garlic in 3 tablespoons of butter for 1 minute. Fold into the polenta and season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread the polenta into a 1/2-inch thick layer on a small sheet pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. Cut the polenta into four 3-inch discs and sauté in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a hot, nonstick pan for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Blot on paper towels.
• To prepare the steak: Season the steak with salt and pepper and rub with 1/4 cup olive oil. Remove the thyme leaves from the stems and rub them onto the beef. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until medium-rare.
• Assembly
• Place a piece of the polenta in the center of each plate and top with a piece of the steak. Spoon the Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette over the steak and around the plates and top with freshly ground black pepper.
• Wine Notes
• The warm garlic flavors in the polenta mesh beautifully with Italian varietals. The rich fruit of Barbera d'Alba from a producer like Giacomo Conterno beautifully balances the garlic, and has the full acidity needed for the shallot vinaigrette.