Polenta Artichoke Cubes Food

POLENTA ARTICHOKE CUBES

Steps:

• Cook instant polenta in salted water according to package instructions.
• Mix in ground nutmeg, butter and parmesan cheese.
• Remove from stove top and let sit for 2 minutes.
• Pour into a greased, rectangular casserole dish. The polenta should be about 1 inch thick in the dish.
• Cover and refrigerate the casserole dish overnight or atleast until set and well-chilled.
• When polenta is set, cut polenta into 1 inch cubes.
• Gently remove polenta cubes from casserole dish.
• You can now brown them briefly in hot butter in a pan, or skip this step (for a lower-fat version) and stick a toothpick into each cube.
• Drain artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes on papertowels.
• To assemble appetizers:.
• Add a piece of salami to each toothpick.
• Then put a sun-dried tomato on each toothpick. Cut larger tomatoes in half or in quarters, if needed.
• Top off with an artichoke heart. Artichoke hearts can also be halved or quartered, if needed.
• Arrange attractively on a platter before serving.
• Keep refrigerated until serving.

POACHED EGGS, POLENTA, AND MARINATED ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine artichokes, 2 tablespoons oil, vinegar, parsley, and pepper flakes. Season with salt and set aside.
• Bring milk and 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually add polenta and cook, stirring, until liquid is absorbed and polenta is tender, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in remaining oil and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and cover. (If polenta becomes too thick, whisk in water by the tablespoon.)
• Fill a high-sided skillet with 2 inches water; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Crack one egg at a time into a teacup or small bowl and gently slide into simmering water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cook until white is just set and yolk is still loose, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove eggs from water using a slotted spoon.
• Spoon polenta into serving bowls. Top with egg and sprinkle with artichokes.

BAKED POLENTA WITH SAUSAGE AND ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add onion and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Add sausage and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Remove skillet from heat and stir in artichokes; season with salt and pepper.
• In a 2-quart baking dish, layer polenta rounds and spoonfuls of sausage mixture. Pour stock over top and bake until bubbling and polenta is pale golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

PANTRY DINNER SALAD WITH POLENTA CROUTONS

Steps:

• Whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl (or shake together in a small jar). Set aside.
• Pour polenta into a square or rectangular airtight container and spread into an even layer. Let cool, then cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 week. (The polenta will set into a solid block.)
• Turn out polenta onto a cutting board and cut into 1" cubes. Place Parmesan in a wide shallow bowl and, working in batches, toss cubes in cheese to coat. Using your hands, press cheese against edges of polenta to adhere, then transfer to a plate.
• Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Working in batches as needed, place as many polenta cubes as will fit in an even layer with 1" space between each in skillet. Let fry, undisturbed, until bottoms are crisp and browned, about 4 minutes. Resist the urge to move the cubes before 3 minutes have passed to avoid pulling the Parmesan coating off the polenta. Turn over one at a time, making sure cubes don't stick together, and repeat cooking process with opposite sides of cubes. Transfer to a plate.
• Toss onion, crunchy vegetables, and salt in a large bowl. Add radicchio, salami (if using), olives, and herbs and toss to combine. Drizzle reserved dressing over and toss gently to coat. Add warm croutons and gently toss again.

BIG-BATCH PARMESAN POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring 9 cups water to a boil in a medium pot over high. Add salt and reduce heat to medium-low. Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, gradually stream in polenta. Cook, stirring often, until thick and creamy, 30-35 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and pepper.

POTATO AND POLENTA CAKES WITH ARTICHOKE PUREE

Steps:

• Boil potatoes until tender, drain, mash roughly.
• Stir in shallots, cheese, 1/4 cup salsa, egg white, paprika and polenta - mix well.
• Shape potato mixture into 6 patties.
• Shallow fry in batches until lightly browned on both sides and heated through. Drain on paper towel if you like.
• Meanwhile, add the salami to a clean pan, and cook, stirring until crisp.
• Top potato cakes with extra salsa, artichoke puree and salam strips.
• *For the puree: Process artichokes, garlic, cream and juice until smooth. Add oil gradually in a thin stream with motor is running.