Spicy Polenta Cakes Food

PAN-SEARED POLENTA WITH SPICY TOMATO-BASIL SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish on rimmed baking sheet. Combine 8 cups water, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 teaspoons salt in dish. Gradually mix in polenta.
• Place baking sheet with polenta in oven. Bake polenta 1 hour. Add pepper and stir to blend. Bake 20 minutes. Stir again and spread evenly. Bake until polenta is very thick, about 20 minutes longer. Cool polenta to room temperature, 1 to 2 hours (polenta will become firm). Using metal spatula, press polenta all over to even thickness. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover with plastic wrap; chill.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Cut polenta lengthwise into 4 strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 6 squares. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add polenta squares. Sauté until crisp and beginning to color, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer polenta to small baking sheet; place in oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining polenta, adding oil to skillet as needed.
• Divide polenta among plates. Top with warm Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs, if desired.
• Sold at some supermarkets and at natural foods stores and Italian markets. If unavailable, substitute an equal amount of regular yellow cornmeal.
• What to drink:
• A medium-bodied red Italian wine is great with the spicy sauce. One to try: Montresor NV "Il Veronese" Valpolicella ($14), a lovely red blend with dried fruit flavors and vanilla notes.

SPICY POLENTA

Steps:

• In 3-quart saucepan, heat broth, milk, cumin, salt and red pepper to boiling. Slowly pour grits into boiling broth mixture, stirring vigorously with wire whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
• Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Stir in cheese.

SPICY POLENTA CRACKERS

Steps:

• In a food processor, fitted with the blade attachment, add the dry ingredients and pulse 3 times for 2 seconds each. Add in the half-and-half and the butter and pulse for 10 second intervals, 4 to 5 times, or until a dough starts to form. If the dough seems crumbly, and not binding, drizzle in a few drops of the water, a little at a time, until it binds.
• Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead a few times. Divide in half, cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Put a silicone baking mat on your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle, about 6 by 9 inches and 1/4-inch thick. Evenly trim the edges, adding back any trimmings to the second portion of dough. Cut 2-inch strips with a knife, but leaving the dough in place. Then cut diagonals to form triangular pieces, 2 inches on their long side. Repeat, gently transferring them to a baking sheet fitted with a silicone baking mat, spacing them 1-inch apart. Repeat with second half of dough.
• Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, checking carefully after 9 minutes. Crackers will start to turn golden.
• Remove from oven and let cool. Store tightly covered for up to 3 days.