Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of polenta
- 4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 4 sausages
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and slowly pour in 1 cup of polenta, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
2. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring the polenta for about 30 minutes until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and remove from heat.
4. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
5. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
7. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Slice the sausages and add them to the tomato sauce.
9. To serve, spoon the polenta onto plates and top with the sausage and tomato sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Polenta: Low heat
Sausage: Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Polenta can be substituted with cornmeal.
- Sausage can be substituted with any type of sausage or ground meat.
- Diced tomatoes can be substituted with fresh tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers and mushrooms to the tomato sauce.
- Use different types of sausage, such as spicy or sweet Italian sausage.
- Top with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.
Tips and tricks:
- Stir the polenta constantly to prevent lumps.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the sausages from sticking.
- Add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a large platter with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and crusty bread.
Suggested side dishes:
Side salad, crusty bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the polenta is too thick, add more water or milk to thin it out.
- If the sausage is not cooked through, finish cooking in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Brescian Polenta with Sausage is a traditional dish from the Lombardy region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy polenta with savory sausage and tangy tomato sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side salad and crusty bread.
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Region: Italian