Baked Polenta With Mushrooms Food

BAKED POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS & BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Brush the mushroom caps gently with a clean cloth to wipe away any dirt. Arrange them, underside up, on a sheet pan, drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, until tender. Set aside. Lower the oven to 375 degrees.
• Meanwhile, make the polenta. Pour the stock and half-and-half into a large saucepan and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and, while whisking constantly, slowly sprinkle the cornmeal into the boiling liquid. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring almost constantly with a wooden spoon, until the polenta is thick and smooth. Off the heat, stir in the mascarpone, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour into an 8 x 11 x 2-inch baking dish.
• Arrange the mushrooms, underside up, in one layer over the polenta. Sprinkle on the Gorgonzola and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the polenta is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot.

CREAMY POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• For the polenta, bring 4 1/2 cups water and the milk to a high simmer in a medium-size heavy saucepan set over medium-high heat. Add salt. Pour the cornmeal slowly into the liquid, stirring with a wire whisk to prevent clumping. Continue stirring as the mixture thickens, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Turn heat to low. Cook for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes. If the polenta becomes quite thick, thin it with 1/2 cup water, stir well and continue cooking. Add up to 1 cup more water as necessary, to keep the polenta soft enough to stir.
• Add the butter to pot, and stir well. Add the Parmesan, if using. Taste for seasoning. Set the covered saucepan in a pot of barely simmering water, and keep warm for up to an hour or so.
• Meanwhile, put the dried mushrooms in a small bowl, and cover with about 1/2 cup boiling water. Allow to steep for 20 minutes. Remove the mushrooms, and pat dry, then chop roughly. Reserve the mushroom stock.
• Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a sauté pan set over high heat until it has melted. Add the garlic and cook until it starts to sizzle, about 30 seconds. Do not let the garlic brown.
• Add the fresh and reconstituted mushrooms and thyme to the pan, and sauté 3 to 4 minutes, turning until browned. Add about 1/4 cup of the mushroom stock to deglaze the surface, using a wooden spoon to scrape at the browned bits. Allow the stock to reduce by half, then turn the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, whisking to combine, followed by the soy sauce, cream and olive oil. Allow mixture to cook until it thickens a little, then remove from heat. Taste for seasoning, adding black pepper, if desired.
• Put the polenta in a warmed bowl, then top with mushrooms and the sauce. Serve immediately.

POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Put the dried mushrooms in a medium bowl and pour in the boiling water. Press them down into the water now and then until they are soft, anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes depending on how dry they were. When it's time to cook them, lift them out of the water with your hands or a slotted spoon and chop them roughly. Reserve the soaking water.
• Put the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it's hot, add the soaked dried and fresh mushrooms and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and have released all their liquid. 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add the wine and let it bubble away for 1 minute, then stir in the garlic, 1/4 cup of the parsley, and 1 cup of the reserved soaking water. Cook until the liquid thickens a bit, another 2 or 3 minutes, then taste, adjust the seasoning, and turn off the heat under the skillet.
• Put the polenta in a medium pot with 1 cup water and whisk to form a smooth slurry. Whisk in the milk and a pinch of salt and set the pot over medium-high heat. Heat until the mixture boils then lower the heat to medium and cook, whisking frequently adding more water a little at a time to prevent lumps and keep the mixture somewhat soupy. Expect to add another 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups of water before the polenta is ready. The polenta will be done in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the grind. It will be thick and creamy, with just a little grittiness, and the mixture will pull away from the sides of the pan when you stir. When the polenta is done, turn the heat under the mushrooms to medium to warm them quickly.
• Stir the butter and cheese into the polenta then taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve the polenta topped with the mushrooms and garnished with the remaining 1/4 cup parsley.
• Cooks' Notes
• Soaking Dried Mushrooms: The time needed to soften mushrooms depends on their size and age. They're ready when you can cut one easily with a paring knife. You want to reserve the soaking liquid but leave the grit behind, so lift out the mushrooms rather than pouring to drain them.
• Making The Sauce: When the mushrooms are tender and the wine has bubbled away, stir in the garlic, parsley, and soaking water.
• Making Polenta by the Slurry Method: When the slurry just starts to boil, turn it down a bit so it bubbles gently. Add more water or stir with a wooden spoon.
• Recognizing Doneness: When the polenta starts to pull away from the pan and is no longer gritty, it's time to stir in the butter and Parmesan.

CREAMY POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Cover polenta and keep warm over low heat. Heat oil with 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add shallots and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 8 minutes.
• Add the Madeira and parsley and cook until liquid is evaporated, about 3 minutes. Stir remaining 2 tablespoons butter and Parmesan into polenta and divide it among 4 bowls. Top with mushrooms and blue cheese. Serve hot.

BAKED POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• In medium saucepan, bring the water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil.
• Add the cornmeal in a slow stream, whisking.
• Whisk in tablespoon of the butter 1/4 teaspoon of the sage.
• Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until vey thick, about 20 minutes.
• Stir in 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan.
• Meanwhile, butter an 8"x12" baking dish.
• In a large frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately high heat.
• Add half the mushrooms, 1/2 of garlic 1/4 tsp each of the salt and sage and 1/4 tsp of the pepper.
• Cook, stirring frequently until the mushrooms are golden, about 5 minutes.
• Remove.
• Repeat with remaining mushrooms, salt, garlic, salt, sage and pepper.
• Pour half the polenta into the baking dish and spread in an even layer.
• Top with half the mushrooms, followed by half of the Fontina and 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan.
• Repeat with remaining polenta, mushrooms, Fontina and Parmesan.
• Bake until cheese is bubbling, about 15 minutes.
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

CREAMY BAKED POLENTA AND MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Butter a 8x12-inch rimmed baking sheet. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add cornmeal and whisk. Cook until mixture pulls away from the sides of the saucepan, stirring constantly, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg yolk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, salt, and nutmeg. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cool for at least 2 hours. Trim edges and cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in brandy and garlic; heat through, about 5 minutes more. The mixture should be saucy.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Butter a large baking dish.
• Place polenta cubes in the prepared baking dish, top with mushroom mixture, including juices. Mix remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter, bread crumbs, and dried parsley together in a bowl. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture on top of mushrooms.
• Bake in the preheated oven until browned and bubbly, about 30 minutes.

BAKED POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS AND GORGONZOLA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Bring 4 1/2 cups water to a boil.
• Whisking constantly, slowly add the polenta.
• Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and the butter.
• Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Stir in the cream cheese and 1/2 cup of the Gorgonzola.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the oil.
• Add half the mushrooms and cook for 6 minutes.
• Add half the shallots and cook for 2 minutes more.
• Transfer to a plate.
• Repeat with the remaining oil, mushrooms, and shallots.
• Season the mushrooms with the pepper, thyme, and the remaining salt.
• Butter an 8 or 9-inch baking dish or eight 6-ounce ramekins.
• Stir 2/3 of the mushrooms into the polenta and transfer to the prepared dish or ramekins.
• Top with the remaining mushrooms and Gorgonzola.
• Bake, uncovered, until the Gorgonzola has melted, about 15 minutes.

POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°. Brush both sides of polenta slices with 1 tablespoon oil; place on a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes on each side or until crisp., Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and shallot; cook and stir 12-14 minutes or until liquid has evaporated and mushrooms start to brown. Add sherry; cook, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan., In a small bowl, mix flour, salt and pepper; stir in broth until smooth. Stir into pan. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Add spinach; cook and stir over medium-low heat until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes., Arrange polenta on a platter; top with mushroom mixture.

POLENTA WITH CREAMY MUSHROOM SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Arrange the polenta on the prepared baking sheet and bake until crispy on the bottom and heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms are softened and most of the liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Pour in wine; bring to a boil and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the liquid until the pan is almost dry, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in sour cream and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat, stir in cheese and tarragon. Serve the sauce over the polenta.

BAKED POLENTA WITH SHIITAKE RAGOûT

Steps:

• Make the mushroom ragout:
• In a large deep skillet cook the onion, the garlic, and the rosemary in the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, add the mushrooms and salt to taste, and cook the mixture over moderately high heat, stirring, for 10 minutes, or until the liquid the mushrooms give off is evaporated. Stir in the tomato paste and the wine and boil the mushroom mixture until most of the liquid is evaporated. In a small bowl stir the cornstarch into the broth, add the mixture and the Worcestershire sauce to the mushroom mixture, and bring the ragout to a boil, stirring. Simmer the ragout for 2 minutes and season it with salt and pepper.
• Make the polenta:
• In a large heavy saucepan bring the water with the oil to a boil and add 1 cup of the cornmeal, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low, add the remaining 1 cup cornmeal in a slow stream, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, 2/3 cup of the Parmesan, the parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Spread one third of the polenta evenly in a buttered 13- by 9-inch baking dish and chill the polenta sheet for 20 minutes, or until it is firm. While the polenta is chilling, working quickly, spread half the remaining polenta in a buttered 3-quart shallow baking dish, top it with half the mushroom ragout, and top the ragout with the mozzarella. Spread the remaining polenta quickly over the mozzarella and top it with the remaining ragout.
• Invert the polenta sheet onto a work surface and with 1 or more star-shaped cutters cut out as many stars as possible. Arrange the stars decoratively on the ragout and sprinkle them with the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan. The layered polenta may be prepared up to this point 2 days in advance and kept covered and chilled.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the layered polenta in the upper third of the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the polenta stars are golden.

MUSHROOM POLENTA

Steps:

• Prepare the mushrooms: Gently wipe the mushroom caps clean with a dry paper towel. Trim the bottom of stems and cut the mushrooms into quarters if large and halves if small. The cut pieces should be about the same size.
• Cook the mushrooms: Heat a large skillet over high heat until it's hot. It may take about 1 minute. Carefully add the 1/4 cup water and mushrooms. Cook, stirring until all the water evaporates, about 12 minutes. The mushrooms will release more water, but they will become smooth and shiny. The timing depends on how much moisture the mushrooms have-they're ready when the skillet is dry. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and stir. Allow the mushrooms to sit undisturbed to brown for a minute or so, then stir again. Lower the heat if the mushrooms are darkening too quickly. Continue cooking the mushrooms until they are browned all over and crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and black pepper. Transfer the mushrooms into a medium bowl.
• Make the sauce: Heat the same large skillet used for the mushrooms over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook stirring until the onions are tender and limp, about 10 minutes. Add a drizzle of oil if the vegetables look too dry. Lower the heat if the garlic is browning too quickly. Add the tomato paste and smoosh with the back of the wooden spoon into the pan to cook out some of the raw flavor, about 30 seconds. The paste might stick to your spoon but just keep swirling it around the pan. Stir in 1/2 cup vegetable stock. Return the mushrooms to the skillet and stir briefly to re-warm. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar and 1 tablespoon butter. Taste and season with more salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you'd like. Set it aside while you cook the polenta.
• Make the polenta: In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring 4 cups of vegetable stock and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Slowly add the polenta while whisking. Turn the heat down to maintain a gentle simmer. Once all the polenta has been added, switch to a wooden spoon and cook, stirring until the polenta is thick and bubbly, about 3 minutes. It will pull away from the sides of the saucepan. Taste it. It should be creamy, not grainy.
• Season the polenta: Stir in the Parmesan, 2 tablespoons parsley, and the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Turn off the heat.
• Serve: Divide the polenta among shallow serving bowls. Spoon the mushrooms on top. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons parsley and more Parmesan.

EASY, OVEN-BAKED POLENTA WITH BALSAMIC CREMINI MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F.
• Place a large, oven-proof pot over medium-high heat (I used a 4 qt. All-Clad pot). Add the water, the milk, and one tablespoon of the butter. Bring this to a simmer, season with salt and pepper, and stir to melt the butter. Gradually add the cornmeal, whisking steadily to incorporate (this initial stir is key to prevent clumps from forming). Bring the mixture to a boil, immediately cover the pot with a lid, and transfer to the middle rack of the oven. Bake at 325°F until the polenta is tender and soft, about 30 minutes.
• Carefully remove the pot from the oven, stir in the second tablespoon of butter, cover again and let it stand for 5 minutes. Gradually add 4 oz. of the grated Parmesan, whisking briefly until the cheese has melted and is well incorporated. Check the consistency and the flavor, then cover and let it sit until ready to serve.
• While the polenta is in the oven, prep the ingredients for the balsamic mushrooms. First, clean the mushrooms and cut them into one-inch pieces. Make sure that the mushrooms are completely dry before cooking. Slice the shallot and cut the garlic into slivers.
• Set a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the mushrooms and "dry-sauté" them for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the pan often, until they release most of their moisture.
• Add the olive oil and butter to the skillet and toss to combine. Next, add the shallots, the salt and pepper, and cook until the shallots start to soften. Lastly, add the garlic and the thyme and cook a few minutes more until everything is well caramelized.
• Stir the sugar into the balsamic vinegar and then drizzle the mixture over the mushrooms. Toss well to coat and let them cool slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Divide the polenta among four bowls, top each with the balsamic mushrooms, more Parmesan cheese, and a good drizzle of your best olive oil. Garnish with some fresh parsley and serve!

MUSHROOM POLENTA

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms, season with salt and brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon each butter and fresh thyme and 1 minced shallot; cook 30 seconds. Meanwhile, simmer 3 cups mushroom broth and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Whisk in 3/4 cup quick-cooking polenta; stir until thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Top with the mushrooms, chopped parsley, more Parmesan and pepper.

BAKED POLENTA WITH BALSAMIC MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Place mushrooms in a large baking dish, gill-side up. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over mushrooms. Crush thyme between your fingers; sprinkle over mushrooms.
• Bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a plate using tongs. Leave any accumulated juices in the baking dish.
• Bring water and half-and-half to a boil in a large pot. Add polenta in a steady stream, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add Swiss cheese, sea salt, and pepper; stir until cheese is melted.
• Pour hot polenta into the same baking dish used to bake the mushrooms. Smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange mushrooms, gill-side up, in the polenta. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven until mushrooms are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with truffle salt.