Polenta With Spicy Sausage And Red Pepper Relish Recipes

HOAGIES WITH QUICK PEPPER RELISH

Steps:

• For the pepper relish: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the Fresno chiles, garlic, jalapenos, bell peppers and onion and sauté for to 4 minutes to soften. Add the vinegar, honey and mustard seeds. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
• For the sandwiches: While the relish cooks, grease a griddle with the butter and place it over medium-high heat. When the griddle is hot, add the sausage pieces cut-side down and cook until well browned and crisp, about 3 minutes. Flip and place 2 pieces of provolone onto each sausage piece. Cook until the cheese has melted completely, another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a plate.
• Build the sandwiches by spreading the mayonnaise on the bottoms of each bun and laying on a piece of lettuce. Top each with a cheese-covered sausage piece and a generous portion of the pepper relish. Replace the top half of the buns and serve.

SOFT POLENTA WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS

Steps:

• In a large heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and saute, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more, until its aroma is released.
• Add the chicken stock, water, and salt to the pan and increase the heat to medium high. When the liquid is simmering, gradually sprinkle the polenta over in a very slow, thin stream, whisking constantly in the same direction until all the grains are incorporated and no lumps remain. Reduce the heat to very low. Switch to a wooden paddle and stir thoroughly every few minutes for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and the grains of polenta have softened. Stir in the butter, thyme, pepper, and grated Manchego and remove from the heat. Spoon some polenta into each of 6 warmed shallow soup bowls and top with some of the roasted peppers and chopped cilantro.

SAUSAGE-AND-PEPPER RAGU OVER POLENTA

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high; melt 2 tablespoons butter. Pierce sausages with a fork; add to skillet. Cook until browned in places, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Meanwhile, cut vegetables into 1/2-inch slices; add to skillet. Season with salt and pepper; cook, stirring, until browned in places, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Return sausages to skillet with 3/4 cup broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 4 to 5 minutes. Uncover; simmer until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes more.
• In a saucepan, combine polenta, 2 cups broth, and 1 cup water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and cheese; season with salt and pepper. Serve, with ragu, parsley, and more cheese and pepper.