Herbpolentabakedinprosciutto Food

PASTA WITH PROSCIUTTO, PEPPERS, AND HERBS

Steps:

• In a heavy skillet cook onion and yellow pepper in 1 tablespoon oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened and stir in red peppers and ham. In a kettle of salted boiling water cook pasta until al dente and drain well. In a bowl toss pasta with pepper mixture, remaining 2 tablespoons oil, herbs, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve pasta with lemon and Parmesan.

POLENTA NAPOLEON WITH MIXED HERB PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the polenta: In a large saucepan combine the milk, heavy cream, water, olive oil, and kosher salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and slowly pour in the cornmeal, whisking constantly until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
• Cover a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Pour the polenta onto the plastic covered baking sheet and spread to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Let cool at least 15 minutes.
• For the pesto: Puree the basil, mint, cilantro, shallots, and garlic. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, while the food processor is running. Stir in the Parmesan, kosher salt, and sambal.
• For the lasagna: Cut the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat and saute the zucchini slices until lightly golden. Season with salt and pepper.
• Oil an 8-inch round spring form pan. Spread 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce on the bottom of the pan. Cut the polenta into 3 (7 3/4-inch) rounds. Brush the tops with the Mixed Herb Pesto.
• Place 1 disk in the bottom of the spring form pan. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of tomato sauce and arrange half the zucchini on top. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Cover with the second round of polenta, 1/4 cup tomato sauce, the rest of the zucchini, and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Top with the last polenta round, the remaining tomato sauce, and Parmesan. Bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove from the spring form pan, cut into wedges and serve.
• In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic, and chili flakes in the oil until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes (juice and all), tomato paste, and sugar. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes. Cool the tomato sauce for 10 minutes.
• Puree the sauce in a food processor or food mill. Stir in the extra-virgin olive oil, marjoram, basil, and kosher salt. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• Yield: 6 cups
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Inactive Time: 10 minutes

POLENTA WITH HERBS

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, over medium-low heat, the heat the oil with the garlic, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the broth and milk, and bring to a boil over high heat. While whisking constantly, slowly pour the cornmeal into the hot liquid. Stir in the salt. Lower the heat to cook the mixture at a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cornmeal is creamy and not all grainy, about 30 minutes. Remove the polenta from the heat and stir the cheese, butter, and the herbs. Serve.

PORK TENDERLOIN WRAPPED IN PROSCIUTTO, WITH AN HERBED PAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 450. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top of it.
• Rinse and pat dry the pork tenderloin. Season with fresh cracked black pepper and overlay with thyme. Then wrap tenderloin in prosciutto.
• Heat 2 tblsp oil over medium heat in a skillet or braiser. Brown each side of your tenderloin, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer meat to wire rack set in foil lined baking sheet. Bake until meat registers 145 degrees, approximately 15-18 minutes.
• Meanwhile, deglaze pan used to brown tenderloin by pouring in the chicken stock. Bring to a simmer. Then whisk in the flour until sauce begins to thicken. Whisk in garlic, thyme, and lemon juice. Cook until sauce is desired thickness, whisking often (approx. 5-10 minutes). Off heat, stir in the chives and a dash of salt & pepper.
• Allow tenderloin to stand for a few minutes before slicing. Serve topped with pan sauce.