Presto Polento Microwave Recipes

BASIC POLENTA (SOFT OR SET)

Steps:

• Put 6 cups cold water, the salt, and bay leaf into a Dutch oven or a heavy stockpot, and bring to a boil. Bring remaining 4 cups cold water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Add polenta to large pot in handfuls, separating your fingers to let the grains slip through and whisking constantly until combined. Reduce heat until only a couple of large bubbles appear at a time.
• Whisk 2 ladlefuls of simmering water into polenta, and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until water has been absorbed, about 5 minutes. Continue to add 2 ladlefuls of water every 5 minutes, stirring often and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more, until polenta is creamy and just pulls away from sides of pot, about 45 minutes. (It may be necessary to adjust heat.)
• If not serving immediately, reduce heat to lowest setting, cover pot, and keep warm until ready to serve (up to 1 hour). Remove bay leaf. Season with pepper.
• For soft polenta only: Stir in butter. Use a damp spoon to serve. Top each serving with Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• For set polenta only: Pour into a slightly damp medium bowl (or a 13-by-9-inch baking dish). Let stand until no longer steaming, about 10 minutes. Refrigerate, uncovered, until cold and set, about 1 1/2 hours. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 2 days).Turn out polenta. Using plain dental floss, cut horizontally in half, pulling string toward you. Cut in half crosswise, pressing string downward. Cut each half lengthwise into 1 1/2-inch-wide strips, cut strips crosswise into thirds, and then into triangles or squares if desired. (Alternatively, cut polenta with a knife.)

PRESTO POLENTO (MICROWAVE)

Steps:

• In a 2-1/2 to 3-quart microwave-safe casserole dish, combine polenta and 1 tablespoon of the butter. Stir in broth and water. Cover; microwaveon High for 12 to 13 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until polenta is thick and all liquid has been absorbed. Spoon into a serving dish. Dot with remaining butter and stir until butter is melted; then sprinkle with cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

MICROWAVE POLENTA

Steps:

• You may have to adjust ratio, depending on altitude and or type of flour.
• I use a Pyrex round unit with lid, large enough to hold (7) seven cups water and (2) two cups cornmeal flour, Mix flour with water and salt , and microwave at f ull power for 22 to 26 minutes, (depending on power and quantity) stopping to stir every five to six minutes.
• Suggestions.
• You can substitute some broth or milk, not too much milk or it may boil over.
• Makes 2-3 servings (2 with some leftovers).

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.

CREAMY POLENTA WITH TOMATO HERB SALAD

Steps:

• MAKE POLENTA: Boil water with salt in saucepan. Slowly whisk in polenta/cornmeal, whisking constantly to avoid lumps for 1-2 minutes. Lower heat to a simmer. Keep whisking until polenta starts to thicken, about 4-5 minutes. Cover and cook, whisking every 4-5 minutes to avoid sticking on bottom of pan. (When polenta gets thicker, switch to wooden or other spoon to stir. ) Polenta is done when it's creamy, thick and not grainy. Total time for cooking should take about 30-40 minutes. Turn off heat. Stir in butter and Parmesan. Taste and add salt if needed.
• MAKE TOMATO TOPPING: While polenta is cooking (and between stirs), drain tomatoes and squeeze them a bit to eliminate most of juices. Roughly chop and place in bowl. Add oil, herbs, salt, pepper, lemon and chili flakes (if using). Combine well. Taste and adjust seasonings.
• SERVE: To serve family style, scoop Polenta onto a platter and top with tomatoes. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese.

POLENTA

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring the chicken broth and the water to a boil. While whisking constantly, slowly pour the cornmeal into the hot liquid. Stir in the salt. Lower the heat to cook the mixture at a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cornmeal is creamy and not grainy, about 30 minutes. Remove the polenta from the heat and stir in the cheese and the butter. Serve.
• In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring the chicken broth and the water to a boil. While whisking constantly, slowly pour the cornmeal into the hot liquid. Stir in the salt. Lower the heat to cook the mixture at a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cornmeal is creamy and not grainy, about 30 minutes. Remove the polenta from the heat and stir in the cheese and the butter. Serve.