Semolina Vs Polenta Recipes

CRISPY FISH WITH SEMOLINA POLENTA, BROCCOLINI AND A CILANTRO-CITRUS SALAD

Steps:

• For the semolina polenta: Combine the heavy cream and chicken broth in a small pot and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in the semolina, bring the polenta back up to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer the polenta, stirring regularly, until thickened, about 20 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
• For the broccolini: Bring 1 gallon water and 2 tablespoons salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. Set up an ice bath for shocking the broccolini after blanching. Blanch the broccolini in batches until crisp-tender, 45 to 60 seconds, and then immediately transfer to the ice bath. Remove the broccolini from the ice bath and dry with a towel. Heat a saute pan over high heat, add the grapeseed oil and saute the broccolini until lightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and then squeeze the lemon juice over the top.
• For the cilantro-citrus salad: Add the orange juice, lemon juice, basil and oregano to a blender. Start blending and slowly add the grapeseed and olive oils until emulsified. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Combine the orange segments, red onion and cilantro in a bowl. Add one quarter of the salad dressing and toss to coat. Reserve the remaining salad dressing.
• For the crispy fish: Fill a deep fryer with canola oil and heat to 350 degrees F. Combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, semolina, 2 tablespoons salt and 1 tablespoon pepper in a bowl and mix well. Add the milk and eggs to a separate bowl and whisk to combine. Right before serving, dredge each of the flounder filets in the flour mixture, then the egg wash and then back in the flour mixture. Fry the breaded filets until golden brown and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the fish to a plate layered with paper towels and sprinkle with some salt and pepper.
• For plating: Divide the polenta among 6 plates and drag it from one side of the plate to the other. Put some of the broccolini in the center of each plate and top with a piece of fish. Place some of the cilantro-citrus salad next to the fish. Drizzle the remaining salad dressing over the fish and around the plates.

SOFT POLENTA

Steps:

• In a heavy saucepan, combine the stock and cream, and bring to a boil. Add the nutmeg and salt. Whisk in the polenta and semolina and cook over low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring often, until the grains are soft. Fold in the cheeses. Serve immediately or reserve.
• To encourage polenta to come cleanly out of the pan, cook over medium heat. Run a spatula or wooden spoon around the sides of the pan to clean off the polenta. Do not stir, but wait and watch for a few seconds until a large bubble begins to form and pushes the polenta upward. Pour immediately into a warm dish.
• The polenta can be made ahead and reheated: add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or stock, cover the dish, and reheat in the microwave or over low heat. Whisk well before serving. Grate a dusting of Parmesan over the top just before serving.