Polenta

I bought some ready made polenta at Trader Joes last week.  Just sliced it, baked it in the oven for 20 min., poured a vodka cream sauce over and served with grilled chicken.  Last evening sliced up the rest, baked it and served with spaghetti sauce over. Any other ideas for serving it??  Polenta isn't something I grew up with and I have only had it a couple of times in restaurants. Both DH and I liked the flavor.

Thanks for any ideas!

Joyce

I recently fell in love with polenta.  Haven't tried the pre-made stuff as a friend of mine gave me a very easy recipe.  She serves pork carnita meat over it.  I've made up sausage & peppers (in a bit of tomato sauce) to go along with it, also.  Last night I made up the Crockpot Chipotle Roast posted somewhere here at TOH and put that on the polenta.  Seemed similar to tamales without all the work.  

Tell me, did you use the vodka cream sauce sold Trader Joe's?  I've seen it there and wondered about the taste.  Good reviews?

 Hi 4boysmom,

Could you send me your easy recipe for polenta? I would like to try making it. Thank-you!

I haven't tried Trader Joe's vodka sauce. Made my own. Very easy and tasty:

Vodka Cream Sauce

Joyce,

Polenta is a staple in northern Italy (more so than pasta), and for dinner is served with a tomato/meat sauce as you would serve over pasta, with grated parmesan or Romano cheese. Left over polenta can be sliced the next morning and pan fried in butter until browned and served with syrup, like you would over a pancake; served with eggs.

Anne 

Thank-you Anne!  These are great ideas!

Joyce 

joycerm53:

Could you send me your easy recipe for polenta?

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you.  This recipe is from my Italian friend.  When she served it to me, it had been cut in strips, grilled, and then served with pork Carnita meat over the top.  I usually double the recipe as the appetites here are bigger than in her home.  This is the single amounted recipe.

POLENTA

3 cups water

1 cup polenta (not quick-cooking)

1/2 tsp salt

1 T chopped rosemary

2 T butter

1/4 c Parmesan cheese

Spray a large saucepan, then bring water to a boil.  Slowly add polenta, whisking.  Add salt and rosemary.  Cook uncovered on medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring often.  Remove from heat.  Add butter and cheese.  Serve immediately or pour into a sprayed dish to set up.  May chill, if desired.  If grilling, make sure grates are well-oiled.  

 4boysmom,

 Thank-you so much!  I think polenta will become a regular at our house! 

Joyce

Thank-you