Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Non-stick cooking spray
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in polenta and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes or until polenta is thick and creamy.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Pour the polenta into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the polenta is set and lightly golden.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they are soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add butter and sugar and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes or until the onions are deeply caramelized.
5. Spread tomato sauce over the polenta crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Top with caramelized onions, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Polenta can be substituted with cornmeal.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or any other toppings of your choice.
- Use a different type of sauce, such as pesto or Alfredo sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to spread the polenta evenly in the cake pan to ensure a crispy crust.
- Caramelizing the onions takes time, but it's worth it for the sweet and savory flavor they add to the pizza.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pizza in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pizza on a large platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the polenta crust is too soft, bake it for a few more minutes until it's crispy.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the polenta and onions thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal.
Flavor profiles:
- This pizza has a crispy polenta crust topped with sweet and savory caramelized onions, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
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Region: Italian