Easy Mushroom Garlic Polenta Pizza Food

SIMPLE POLENTA PIZZA

Steps:

• Start by making the polenta. In a skillet or saucepan on medium to high heat, bring the water and salt to a boil. Then add the polenta, cook for a minute and then turn the heat down to low. Important: use a whisk to constantly mix the cooking ingredients to avoid sticking.
• Once the polenta has somewhat thickened you can cover it and allow it to continue to cook for another 25-30 minutes or until the polenta has become thick and creamy, continuing to whisk as needed.
• While the polenta cooks you can prepare the baking sheet or pizza pan. Prep this sheet or pan with some Parchment Paper that is sprinkled with the additional polenta (about 1 tablespoon should be needed for this).
• Remove the polenta from the stove and stir in any additional seasonings. Then you can transfer the polenta to the prepared baking sheet or pizza pan. The crust should be 1/3-1/2" thick.
• Cover the crust with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to a day. The crust should be firm when removed from the refrigerator.
• When you are ready to make your pizza, remove the pizza crust from the refrigerator. Also, remove the plastic wrap. Preheat your oven to 450. Sprinkle the olive oil over the crust and bake it for 10-12 minutes or until it begins to become crisp and brown around the edges.
• Remove the crust from the oven and top with your desired toppings.
• Return the topped pizza to the oven and bake until done, about 12-15 minutes.

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.

POLENTA PIZZA WITH MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Prepare the polenta base. Bring three and one-half cups of water to a boil in a deep saucepan. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of cold water with the cornmeal and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is a thick paste. Whisk the paste into the boiling water and simmer, stirring constantly for 15 to 20 minutes or until the mixture is very thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and add the butter and Parmesan cheese.
• Pour the polenta into an oiled 12-inch round pan and flatten into a circle. Cool at room temperature for at least one hour or until the top feels dry.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the polenta with one tablespoon of oil and bake for 20 minutes. (If it puffs, prick it with a fork.)
• In a large skillet, saute the onion and garlic in two tablespoons of oil until the onion is translucent. Add the mushrooms, raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly until all the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms begin to brown. Add the tomatoes, mushroom powder, herbs, salt and pepper, turn the heat down to low and cook for 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the parsley.
• Spoon the topping onto the polenta and sprinkle with the grated Gruyere, Emmenthaler or Mozzarella cheese. Bake for five to seven minutes or until the cheese has melted and the topping bubbles. Cut into wedges and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

CREAMY POLENTA & MUSHROOM RAGOUT

Steps:

• Soak the dried mushrooms in 150ml warm water. Set aside for 20 mins, then drain and squeeze, reserving the soaking liquid. Heat the butter in a large frying pan. When sizzling, add the shallot and cook for a few mins until soft. Add the garlic and thyme leaves, cook for 1 min more, then turn up the heat and add the soaked mushrooms. After 1 min, add all the other mushrooms and fry over a very high heat for 5 mins until soft. Splash in the red wine and boil rapidly for 1 min. Pour in the stock and reserved mushroom liquid, and simmer for 15 mins until you have a thickened stew. Turn off the heat.
• For the polenta, bring the milk to the boil with 500ml water, the bay and thyme. Turn off the heat and leave to infuse for 20 mins, then fish out the herbs and bring back to the boil. Add the polenta in a steady stream, whisking steadily. Cook for 1 min until thickened, then stir in the butter and Parmesan. Spoon a 'crater' of polenta onto a baking tray and fill with the ragout. Top with slices of Taleggio, place under a hot grill until melting and oozy, then let everyone help themselves.