Laurens Pesto Polenta Bites Food

LAUREN'S PESTO POLENTA BITES

Steps:

• Place a grill pan in an oven and preheat to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). (If using a countertop induction oven, preheat on the "Grill" setting.)
• Brush polenta slices with olive oil; season with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Transfer to heated grill pan.
• Grill in the preheated oven until golden brown, flipping halfway through, about 12 minutes in the conventional oven and 6 minutes in the countertop induction oven.
• Combine basil, lemon juice, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor; pulse a few times until chopped. Pour in 1/2 cup olive oil in a steady stream, with the processor running, until pesto is smooth. Add Parmesan cheese; pulse until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.
• Arrange polenta slices on a platter. Divide prosciutto over slices; top each with 1 to 2 tablespoons pesto. Garnish with roasted red peppers.

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

PESTO POLENTA LASAGNA--SUPER EASY!

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Oil an 11x7x2 inch baking dish.
• Arrange a single layer of polenta in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Spread a thin layer of pesto over the polenta.
• Spoon half of the sauce over the polenta.
• Top with another layer of polenta and sauce.
• Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
• Turn on the broiler.
• Top polenta with cheese and pine nuts, and broil until cheese browns and nuts are toasted.