Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Slowly pour in 1 cup of polenta, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook the polenta for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes thick and creamy.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
6. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of crumbled goat cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil to the polenta. Stir until the cheese is melted and the herbs are evenly distributed.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Pour the polenta mixture into the greased baking dish.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 340
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 930mg
Sugar: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you like instead of goat cheese.
- You can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked sausage or bacon to the polenta mixture before baking.
- Top the baked polenta with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese for a Caprese-inspired dish.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers to the polenta mixture before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a whisk to stir the polenta if you have trouble getting rid of lumps.
- You can make the polenta ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it.
- If the polenta is too thick, you can add more water or milk to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the polenta, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Cut the baked polenta into squares or triangles and serve on a platter.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Side salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the polenta is too thin, continue cooking it over low heat until it thickens up.
- If the polenta is too thick, add more water or milk to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the polenta thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or a side dish.
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Region: Italian