Polenta Pizza With Various Toppings 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.

POLENTA PIZZA BITES

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler to high. Brush the polenta with the olive oil on both sides and place the disks on a broiler pan covered with foil. Broil until the tops begin to turn golden, about 1 minute (watch closely as broiler heat varies).
• Flip the polenta disks over and spread about 1 tablespoon of the marinara sauce on each one, then top with cheese and other toppings (if using). Broil until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 1 more minute. Let cool a few minutes and serve.

POLENTA PIZZA (WITH VARIOUS TOPPINGS)

Steps:

• Polenta: Start by making a basic polenta. Pour the water into a large pot. Heat the water but don't let it come to a boil (it helps against the formation of lumps). Add the salt. Slowly add the cornmeal while stirring or whisking (with an egg beater, not a mixer) all the time (Note 2).
• Simmer: When all the cornmeal is incorporated, continue stirring or whisking shortly to ensure that there are no lumps. Turn the heat down, place a lid on top but leave a crack open. Stir every 2-3 minutes or so, but there is no need to stir all the time.
• Cooking time: Read the cooking instructions on the polenta packet to know how long the cornmeal needs to be cooked. For example, I cook the polenta made with coarse cornmeal for 40 to 50 minutes and the polenta made with medium cornmeal for about 15 minutes.
• Add cheese: When the polenta is cooked, stir in the freshly grated cheese of choice.
• Let cool: Line a baking tray with baking paper and pour the polenta on the tray. Spread it evenly with a spoon and let it get cold.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
• Top pizza: Mix the tomato sauce with dried oregano and spread it over the polenta. Halve and slice the red onion, cut the tomatoes into small wedges and thinly slice the pepper and the sausage. Spread everything on the pizza and add the olives and the crumbled feta cheese.
• Bake for 20-30 minutes in the hot oven until the cheese on top starts to get golden. Serve immediately with a green salad and Greek yogurt or sour cream dollop.

POLENTA PIZZA WITH PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI & MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Heat the grill to its highest setting. In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a boil, then slowly pour in the polenta, whisking constantly. Add some salt and 2 tbsp of the Parmesan. Continue to whisk until thick, about 3 mins.
• Grease a large baking tray with 1 tsp of the oil, pour over the polenta and spread it out to a 30cm circle - if you have time, leave it to chill, uncovered, in the fridge for 30 mins.
• Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2 mins. Rinse in cold water and drain well. If any stems are thick, halve them lengthways. In a small bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes with the garlic and remaining oil. Season well.
• Layer the mozzarella over the polenta, then add the broccoli, tomatoes, peppers and remaining Parmesan. Pop under the grill for 3-4 mins or until golden at the edges and the cheese has melted.

MINI POLENTA PIZZA BITES

Steps:

• Bring 1½ litres water to the boil and add the stock pots and ½ tsp salt. Pour in the polenta, whisking continuously, bring to the boil and reduce the heat to low, then stir every minute to keep it from sticking, for about 8 mins (or according to pack instructions).
• Meanwhile, oil a non-stick baking tray (ours was 30 x 40cm). Spoon the cooked polenta into the tray and level with a spoon to make a large, flat slab that fills the whole tray (about 1cm thick). You can use wet palms to press it down firmly after a few minutes. Leave to cool and set firm for at least 1 hr.
• Turn out the polenta onto your work surface and cut into strips. Halve the strips on the diagonal to make little wedges and put back on the tray. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
• Top each polenta base with 1 tsp pizza sauce, a little vegan cheese and a sprinkle of oregano. Add extra toppings, if you like. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 mins. Serve warm or cold.