Spinach And Chicken Ragout Over Polenta Recipes

CREAMY POLENTA WITH SPINACH

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, bring the chicken broth, oil, garlic and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and whisk in the polenta. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, about 10 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan, mascarpone, pecorino and butter. Cook, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Fold in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes longer. Add 1/4 cup water if the mixture gets too thick.
• Pour the polenta into a large bowl and serve with grated Parmesan over the top.

SPINACH-AND-CHICKEN RAGOUT OVER POLENTA

Steps:

• Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan. Add 1 teaspoon of oil and the garlic, lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 10 minutes. Add the spinach, turning it over with tongs, adding more as it wilts.
• When all of the spinach is wilted, stir in the tomatoes and peppers. Stir in the broth. Nestle the chicken down into the mixture and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, after about 20 minutes, place the water and 2 teaspoons of salt in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the cornmeal in a slow, stream, whisking constantly. Reduce heat, switch to a wooden spoon and stir constantly, until mixture is thick, about 20 minutes.
• Stir the vinegar into the ragout and season with 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper to taste. Divide the polenta among 4 shallow bowls and spoon the ragout over it, including a thigh and a drumstick in each portion. Serve immediately.

POLENTA WITH SPINACH

Steps:

• Cut the frozen blocks of spinach into small pieces and place in a heavy skillet without water. Cover the pan and heat the spinach just until it is thoroughly thawed. Drain and chop very fine. Blend the chopped spinach with the garlic, lemon juice, salt and olive oil. Oil an oval or square baking dish and put the spinach in the bottom. Top with polenta, dot with butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 375°F. oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the polenta is delicately brown. Serve as an accompaniment to beef, veal or pork dishes.

CHICKEN, POLENTA, AND RED PEPPER RAGOûT

Steps:

• Halve leek lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. In a bowl of cold water wash leek well and with a slotted spoon transfer to a sieve to drain. Chop onion and cut bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. Mince garlic.
• In a 12-inch non-stick skillet cook leek, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and pepper is tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a bowl. Pat chicken dry and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick strips. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cut polenta into 3/4-inch cubes.
• In skillet heat remaining tablespoon oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté chicken, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add polenta and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute.
• Stir in cooked vegetables, tomatoes, thyme, and parsley and simmer, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Season ragout with salt and pepper.

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.