Rustic Polenta Casserole Recipes

MEXICAN POLENTA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 3-quart glass casserole. Break up 1 tube polenta in the casserole and press evenly so it covers the bottom of the dish.
• Slice remaining 1 tube polenta into enough thin slices to cover the top of the casserole; set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until glistening. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
• Lower heat to medium and stir in turkey, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir until turkey is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add black beans, drained tomatoes, and salsa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes.
• While turkey mixture is simmering, bake polenta crust in the preheated oven until firm, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Remove polenta crust from the oven and sprinkle with 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Top with turkey mixture and lay sliced polenta on top.
• Return to the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 2 cups Monterey Jack and bake until bubbly, about 10 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped tomato and cilantro.

RUSTIC VEGETABLE AND POLENTA SOUP

Steps:

• In a large heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onions, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to brown, about 6 minutes.
• Add the parsley, thyme, garlic, tomatoes and zucchini, and cook for 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Slowly stir in the polenta and cook until the soup thickens and the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
• Stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper.
• Ladle into soup bowls and serve.