Four Cheese Polenta With Chanterelle Ragout Food

FOUR-CHEESE POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a heavy-bottomed 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting, add the baking soda and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and pour the cornmeal into the water in a very slow stream from a measuring cup, all the while whisking in a circular motion to prevent lumps.
• Cook, vigorously stirring the polenta with a wooden spoon for about 10 seconds once every 5 minutes and making sure to scrape clean the bottom and corners of the pot, until the polenta has lost its raw cornmeal taste and becomes soft and smooth, about 30 minutes. If the polenta looks like it's drying out too quickly, continue cooking with the lid on.
• Stir in the Asiago, Gorgonzola, mascarpone, butter, Parmesan and garlic. Season to taste with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper. If the polenta is too thick, thin with some milk as desired. Garnish with freshly shaved Parmesan.

15-MINUTE CHEESY POLENTA WITH CHUNKY TOMATO RAGU

Steps:

• Place a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Combine the milk, 3 1/2 cups water and a large pinch of salt in a medium saucepan, cover and set it over medium-high heat.
• When the large skillet is hot, add 2 tablespoons of the oil and swirl the pan to coat. Add the sausage and cook, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat, until lightly browned in parts, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the onion into large chunks.
• Add the onion, carrots and garlic to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the vegetables and a large pinch of salt to the pan with the sausage and cook until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
• By this time, the milk and water mixture should be at a strong simmer. Whisk in the polenta and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring frequently, until the polenta is thickened and creamy, about 3 minutes. Stir in the butter and cheese and season with additional salt if needed. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
• When the vegetables are slightly softened, stir in the tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are completely tender and the juice from the tomatoes has reduced slightly, 6 to 8 minutes. Season to taste with additional salt and red pepper flakes if desired.
• Divide the polenta (if the polenta is too thick, whisk in 1/4 to 1/2 cup warm water to thin it out) among 4 bowls and top with the chunky tomato ragu. Toss the greens in a large bowl with the remaining olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some salt and pepper and serve on the side.

GRILLED POLENTA WITH CHANTERELLES

Steps:

• Make the polenta according to the directions on the package. When it is cooked pour it into a pan about eight inches square and cool.
• When the polenta has cooled, cut it into eight slices about two inches wide and four inches long. Brush the polenta on both sides with one tablespoon olive oil and place the slices on an oiled broiling rack. Set aside.
• Cut the base off the stems of the chanterelles. If the mushrooms are very gritty, rinse them quickly under cold running water and pat them dry. Otherwise, clean them with a soft paint or pastry brush. Cut the large mushrooms into bite-size pieces; leave the smaller ones whole.
• Preheat broiler. In a skillet, soften the garlic with the shallots in the remaining olive oil. Add the mushrooms, season to taste with salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Add the wine and cook until it has evaporated. Stir in the thyme and parsley and keep warm.
• Grill the polenta for three to four minutes on each side, until golden.
• Arrange the polenta pieces on four serving plates and top them with the mushroom mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

FRIED POLENTA SQUARES WITH CREAMY MUSHROOM RAGU

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Whisk in the polenta. Once it begins to thicken, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes until creamy and thick, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Stir in the Parmesan and a 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until melted and cheese is no longer visible. Remove from heat.
• Line an 8x11 inch baking dish with Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil and carefully pour the polenta into the baking dish, using a spatula to smooth it to an even thickness, about 3/4 inch. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to two days until firm.
• While the polenta chills, make your ragu. In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and saute until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent browning. Add mushrooms and thyme and cook over medium-high heat until the mushrooms start to release their liquid. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and continue to cook another 5 minutes until they begin to soften more.
• Add flour, stirring, until it is no longer visible, about 1 minute. Add in the wine, cream and sugar, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Taste and adjust salt if desired. Simmer until thick and creamy and the mushrooms are nicely coated, about 15 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup minced parsley. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
• Slice your polenta into squares -- whatever size you desire. Wipe down your skillet, coat it with nonstick cooking spray, and heat it over medium-high. Fry the squares in the pan until golden brown and warmed through. To serve, top the squares with warm mushroom ragu.

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.

CHEESY POLENTA WITH SAUSAGE RAGOUT

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large casserole dish over a medium-high heat and cook the onion and garlic for a few mins. Stir in the sausages, breaking them up into small pieces as you go, and cook for another 8-9 mins. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, stock, purée and most of the rosemary. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 8-10 mins or until the mixture is thickened. Season to taste.
• Meanwhile, make up the polenta following pack instructions. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, with some seasoning. Spoon the polenta onto 4 plates, then top with the ragout and a sprinkling of the remaining rosemary.

FOUR-CHEESE POLENTA WITH CHANTERELLE RAGOUT

Steps:

• 1. Make polenta: In a deep pot over medium heat, bring milk, water and salt to just under a boil. Slowly pour in polenta while constantly whisking. Once polenta is fully incorporated, reduce heat and gently simmer, whisking often, until grains are tender, about 5 minutes. Add water as necessary, to keep polenta loose. Add cheeses and stir until melted, about 3 minutes.
• 2. Make mushroom ragout: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Once oil is very hot, add mushrooms and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté mushrooms until liquid is released, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking until liquid evaporates and mushrooms brown, about 8 minutes more. Add garlic and sage and sauté until aromatic, 1-2 minutes. Add butter and cook until melted, about 30 seconds. Remove pan from heat and serve mushrooms over polenta.

FOUR-CHEESE POLENTA WITH CHANTERELLE RAGOUT

Steps:

• 1. Make polenta: In a deep pot over medium heat, bring milk, water and salt to just under a boil. Slowly pour in polenta while constantly whisking. Once polenta is fully incorporated, reduce heat and gently simmer, whisking often, until grains are tender, about 5 minutes. Add water as necessary, to keep polenta loose. Add cheeses and stir until melted, about 3 minutes. 2. Make mushroom ragout: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Once oil is very hot, add mushrooms and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté mushrooms until liquid is released, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking until liquid evaporates and mushrooms brown, about 8 minutes more. Add garlic and sage and sauté until aromatic, 1-2 minutes. Add butter and cook until melted, about 30 seconds. Remove pan from heat and serve mushrooms over polenta.

BASIC CHEESE POLENTA

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl combine cornmeal, cold water and salt. Grease a loaf pan.
• Bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a rolling boil and stir in the cornmeal mixture. Bring the mixture back to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the cheese.
• Let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes; stirring frequently. Allow the polenta to simmer until it becomes very thick. Spread the mixture into the loaf pan and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

FOUR-CHEESE POLENTA WITH CHANTERELLE RAGOUT

Steps:

• 1. Make polenta: In a deep pot over medium heat, bring milk, water and salt to just under a boil. Slowly pour in polenta while constantly whisking. Once polenta is fully incorporated, reduce heat and gently simmer, whisking often, until grains are tender, about 5 minutes. Add water as necessary, to keep polenta loose. Add cheeses and stir until melted, about 3 minutes. 2. Make mushroom ragout: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Once oil is very hot, add mushrooms and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté mushrooms until liquid is released, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking until liquid evaporates and mushrooms brown, about 8 minutes more. Add garlic and sage and sauté until aromatic, 1-2 minutes. Add butter and cook until melted, about 30 seconds. Remove pan from heat and serve mushrooms over polenta.