Creamy Polenta With Braised Greens And Poached Eggs Food

6-MINUTE EGG ON CREAMY POLENTA WITH CRISPY SERRANO HAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F.
• On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, arrange the slices of ham and cover with another piece of parchment paper and another baking tray on top. This technique will ensure the Serrano stays flat while it cooks. Bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from oven and set aside on paper towel.
• For the polenta: In a heavy saucepan, combine the stock and milk. Add the cilantro and garlic and bring to a boil. Let simmer on medium heat for 2 minutes to flavor the mixture. Remove the cilantro and garlic. Whisk in the cornmeal and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often with a wooden spoon until the grains are soft. Fold in the Asiago cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm and covered.
• For the egg: In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil and drop in the eggs for 6 minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, run under cold water to shock the eggs and reserve. Before serving, rattle them around to crack the shell and peel them.
• In the same saucepan containing boiling water, cook the kale for 1 minute. Drain and reserve in an ice bath. In a saucepan on medium heat melt the butter. Squeeze out the excess liquid from the kale with your hands, chop it in half. Saute the kale with lemon juice for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• For Serving: Place a large spoon of polenta on each plate. Top with the kale, a soft boiled egg and garnish with more grated Asiago cheese and 2 slices of Serrano ham. Serve immediately. 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 or other favored cheese over the top just before serving.

CREAMY POLENTA WITH MIXED GREENS

Steps:

• Combine tomatoes and boiling water.
• Let stand 30 minutes, drain and chop.
• Combine cornmeal and pinch of black pepper in saucepan.
• Gradually add 3 cups broth and 1 cup water, stirring continually with a whisk.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Remove polenta from heat and keep warm.
• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and saute onion and red pepper for about 10 minutes or until tender.
• Add tomatoes and garlic, cooking for 1 more minute.
• Add 1 cup broth and the greens.
• Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking 15 minutes or until greens are completely tender.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Spoon polenta into 4 plates and top with greens.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Since I like things spicy, I add some crushed red pepper to this recipe, or just shake on your favorite hot sauce.
• For Vegetarian use the vegetable broth only.

POACHED EGGS & POLENTA

Steps:

• Heat a lightly greased griddle over medium heat. Place polenta slices and bacon on griddle; cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove and keep warm., Place 2-3 in. of water in a large saucepan or skillet with high sides; add vinegar. Bring to a boil; adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Break cold eggs, one at a time, into a small bowl; holding the bowl close to the surface of the water, slip each egg into water. Cook, uncovered, 3-5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt until smooth; gradually whisk in milk, cheeses and, if desired, sherry. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in spinach., For each serving, top two polenta slices with a slice of bacon and 1/4 cup sauce. Using a slotted spoon, lift egg out of water; place on sauce. Serve immediately.

CREAMY POLENTA WITH GREEN ONIONS AND PARSLEY

Steps:

• Bring 1 quart stock, 5 cups water and 2 teaspoons salt to boil in heavy 8-quart saucepan.
• Whisk in cornmeal in thin stream,adjusting heat to maintain slow bubbles.
• Stir polenta constantly with wooden spoon until sheets fall from lifted spoon, adding more stock if necessary to maintain creamy consistancy, about 30 minutes.
• (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Cover surface with plastic and let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over low heat, stirring constantly. Thin with stock if necessary.).
• Stir in green onion, butter,parsley, and pepper.
• Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Serve immediately.