Herb Crusted Polenta Rounds Recipes

HERBED POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring the water to a boil in a heavy large saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the cheese, milk, butter, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and pepper, and stir until the butter and cheese melt. Transfer the polenta to a bowl and serve.

POLENTA CRUSTED ROASTED POTATOES WITH HERBS AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F. Cut potatoes into medium-size chunks (about 8 pieces per half-potato). Place potatoes in 2-quart saucepan of salted water. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-high; simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
• Drain potatoes; place in large bowl. Gently toss potatoes with polenta, sea salt and pepper.
• Heat large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add olive oil; swirl to coat. When oil is hot, add herbs; cook 1 minute. Add potatoes, scattering in even layer in skillet. Place skillet to oven.
• Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until bottoms are golden and crisp. Turn potatoes; sprinkle with garlic. Bake 10 minutes longer or until crisp on both sides.
• Using slotted spoon, transfer potatoes to serving bowl or plate.

CRISPY POLENTA MEDALLIONS

Steps:

• Cover a baking sheet with plastic or lightly oil a baking dish. Make polenta and when done, pour onto plastic or into lightly oiled baking dish. Spread to a thickness of about 1/3 inch using an offset spatula. If you are using a baking dish and can't spread the polenta that thin, you can always slice the rounds after they are cut to make thinner medallions. Cover with plastic and allow to stiffen completely, preferably in the refrigerator overnight.
• Cut the stiff polenta into 1 1/2 to 2-inch rounds with a cookie cutter. If the rounds are thick, cut crosswise into 1/3 inch thick rounds.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a heavy nonstick or cast iron skillet. The polenta should sizzle as soon as you place the medallion in the oil. Cook the rounds in batches until nicely browned on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Turn them carefully with a spatula, and do not crowd the pan. Drain on paper towels. Transfer to a platter while warm and place a pinch - about 1/4 teaspoon - of blue cheese on each round. It should soften and melt a little bit on the hot surface of the polenta. Or top with small dollops of the other toppings of your choice. Serve warm (they are also good when they cool down).