Savory Polenta with Mushroom Ragoutfrom Food Network
Salt
1 cup coarse polenta
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound mixed fresh wild mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups all-purpose flour for dusting the polenta
1 cup olive oil, for frying
Bring 6 cups of water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and slowly add the cornmeal in a shower, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, 3 to 5 minutes. Change to a wooden spoon and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the spoon stands in the polenta, 15 to 25 minutes.
Add the Parmigiano and 2 tablespoons of the butter and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Immediately spread the polenta in a buttered 9-by 9-inch pan. Smooth the top with a rubber spatula and refrigerate. Combine the parsley and garlic and chop together until very fine.
In a large skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter with the extra-virgin olive oil over high heat. Add the wild mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and the mushrooms and liquid has evaporated, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the mushrooms and set aside. Add the chicken stock, cream, garlic, and parsley to the pan and simmer to reduce by half, 6 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Score the polenta into 3 by 4 1/2- inch squares. Halve each square diagonally to make 2 triangles. Remove from the pan and toss the polenta triangles carefully in flour to dust them lightly. Heat 1/2-inch of olive oil in a tiny piece of polenta turns golden on contact, 375 degrees F. Add a few of the polenta triangles and cook, turning occasionally, until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
To serve, place 2 hot polenta triangles on each plate. Warm the mushroom ragout and spoon over the polenta. Serve immediately.
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