Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Polenta Pizza with Spinach, Mushrooms, Bacon & Tomatoes

I seen this recipe at http://en.petitchef.com/recipes/polenta-pizza-fid-430502 and thought it looked really good, can't wait to make it and then I will post some pictures.


Makes 4 generous main dishes or 36 appetizer servings

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, more for pan
½ cup whole milk

cups water
Salt
1 cup coarse cornmeal
Freshly ground black pepper
5
strips of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
10 ounces cremini mushrooms,
chopped
2 cups baby spinach
1 roma tomato, sliced
1 cup shredded
fontina cheese

1. Brush a layer of olive oil on a pizza pan or cookie sheet. In a medium
saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk, water and a large pinch of salt.
Bring just about to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and add cornmeal in a steady
stream, whisking all the while to prevent lumps from forming. Turn heat to low
and simmer, whisking frequently, until thick, 10 or 15 minutes. If mixture
becomes too thick, whisk in a bit more water; you want a consistency approaching
thick oatmeal.

2. Stir 1 tablespoon oil into cooked cornmeal (polenta). Spoon it onto
prepared pan, working quickly so polenta does not stiffen; spread it evenly to a
thickness of about ½ inch all over. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover baking
sheet with plastic wrap and put it in refrigerator until it is firm, an hour or
more (you can refrigerate polenta overnight if you prefer).

3. Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Put polenta in oven and bake for 25 to 30
minutes, or until it begins to brown and crisp on edges. Meanwhile, put one
tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook,
stirring occasionally, until they have released all of their moisture, about 5
minutes. Use a slotted spoon to take the mushrooms out of pan; set aside. Add
spinach to skillet and sauté until it releases its water and pan becomes dry;
sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. Take polenta out of oven, sprinkle with fontina cheese, then spread
spinach evenly on top of cheese and top with mushrooms, bacon and sliced tomato.
Put pizza back in oven for two minutes, or until cheese begins to melt and the
toppings are warmed through. Cut into slices and serve hot or at room
temperature. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes, if
desired.

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