Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 pound fresh porcini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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.
2. Slowly pour in 1 cup of polenta, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
3. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for about 20 minutes, until the polenta is thick and creamy.
4. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and set aside.
5. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
6. Add 1/2 pound of sweet Italian sausage, casings removed, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Add 1/2 pound of fresh porcini mushrooms, sliced, and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. To serve, spoon the polenta onto a plate and top with the sausage and mushroom mixture.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- None
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Polenta can be substituted with grits or cornmeal.
- Sweet Italian sausage can be substituted with spicy Italian sausage or ground beef.
- Porcini mushrooms can be substituted with any other type of mushroom.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the sausage and mushroom mixture for extra flavor.
- Top with a fried egg for a breakfast twist on this dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Stir the polenta constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the sausage from sticking to the pan.
- If the polenta becomes too thick, add a little more water or milk to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a white plate to showcase the colors of the dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Grilled asparagus
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the polenta is too thin, continue cooking and stirring until it thickens.
- If the sausage is sticking to the pan, add a little more oil to the skillet.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the sausage is cooked through before serving.
Food history:
- Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, savory, and earthy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish.
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Region: Italian