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Baked Polenta Squares with Mushroom Sauce

5 star rating
 

Submitted by: sullette

 

Corn meal polenta is so simple to prepare--and makes an extra special appetizer or side dish when topped with a creamy portabella mushrooms.
 

Ingredients

  • Polenta Squares:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped shallots
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Mushroom Sauce:
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
  • 24 ounces portabella mushrooms, chopped small
  • 8 scallions
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

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Method

Polenta: Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Using a whisk, gradually add cornmeal to broth. Reduce heat to medium low. Continue whisking until mixture becomes very thick, 4-5 minutes. Once removed from heat, add 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, butter, shallots, garlic, salt and pepper to taste then stir to combine. Pour mixture into a shallow baking dish, or baking tray, with low edges. Smooth to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cover and cool until firm, a couple hours or overnight. Cut chilled polenta into squares about 2 X 3. Place squares on foil covered, and sprayed, baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with olive oil. Place in a 400 degree oven until they get a slight golden color, about 8 minutes. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter to a saucepan. Chop lower halves of 8 scallions, including white portions. Add cut scallions and chopped mushrooms to saucepan. Cook on medium high heat for 5-6 minutes. Add wine to pan and cook another 3-4 minutes until most liquid is gone. Lower heat and add sour cream, heavy cream and 1 tablespoon parsley. Stir over low heat until combined then add salt and pepper to taste. To serve, place two baked polenta squares on each plate. Top with a generous portion of mushroom sauce. Grate remainder of Parmesan cheese over each serving and garnish with remaining parsley.

 

Notes: Could be served as a starting course, side dish or a main dish in a larger serving.

 

Number of Servings: 6

 

Submitted by: sullette ()

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