Soup For Sick Days Aka Poor Mans Polenta Food

POLENTA SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and saute for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, tomatoes, broth, corn and chilies. Bring the liquid to a simmer then cover the pan and cook gently over low heat for 15 minutes. Meanwhile rinse and mince the cilantro.
• While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle the cornmeal into the simmering soup, Simmer gently uncovered until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir the bottom on occasion to make sure the cornmeal isn't sticking.
• Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. Right before serving stir in the lime juice. Portion out and garnish if you wish with cheddar cheese, cilantro and chopped green bell pepper.
• VARIATION -You can enrich it with cubed smoked ham or roasted pork

EASY MICROWAVE POLENTA

Steps:

• Combine water, cornmeal and salt in a LARGE glass bowl, stirring with a wire whip till well blended.
• Put in microwave and cover with a sheet of wax paper.
• Microwave on High for 6 minutes.
• Stir well again. (Mixture will be starting to thicken). Microwave on High for another 5 minutes.
• Mixture should be very thick now.
• Stir and put into sprayed container you have chosen.
• Refrigerate till cold.
• Remove from container, slice about 1/4 inch thick, and fry in butter flavored cooking spray till lightly browned. Turn and brown on other side.
• Eat with fried eggs, with syrup on it like pancakes, or Italian style.

RICE COOKER POLENTA (AKA NO STIR POLENTA)

Steps:

• Place the ingredients into your rice cooker and cook on the white rice setting until done.
• Add cheese or other ingredients just before serving.