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Whenever I’m writing menus for the colder months, my thoughts all the time wanders to 1 ingredient particularly: polenta. It has versatility in spades, from the wealthy, dairy-laden yellow model you get within the north of Italy to the lighter, white polenta of the south, and it actually does cowl all bases. As an ingredient, it’s low cost as they arrive and, whereas it may be a helpful car for different flavours, the new-season yellow polenta calls for belief from its chef. Little or no is required to usher it from bag to plate, so it’s not solely versatile in what it may be served with, but additionally in how it may be cooked.
Crisp polenta with parmesan and anchovy
At all times attempt to purchase natural, unprocessed cornmeal; it’s far superior to the moment, processed selection, and affords a way more fulfilling texture and flavour. These work brilliantly as a starter or canape.
Prep 2 min
Prepare dinner 1 hr 10 min
Serves 3-4
200g polenta
Parmesan, to serve
Anchovy fillets in oil, drained, to serve
Convey 750ml water to a boil, then whisk within the polenta, scale back to a simmer and cook dinner, stirring often so it doesn’t catch on the underside of the pan, for 45 minutes. As soon as the polenta is tremendous thick (suppose cement), spoon it on to a flat roasting tray, unfold out evenly and go away to chill.
As soon as the polenta is chilly and set, break it into uneven items, then roast in a 240C (220C fan)/475F/gasoline 9 oven for 15-20 minutes, till crisp. To serve, grate lashings of parmesan over every shard of polenta and lay an anchovy fillet on high. Open a chilly beer and tuck in.
Delicate polenta with pork fillet and salsa verde
Prep 15 min
Marinate 12 hrs +
Prepare dinner 50 min
Serves 3-4
The polenta will already be filled with goodness/fattiness, so it’s greatest to serve it with a lean reduce of meat. Ideally, marinate the pork in a single day.
For the polenta
200g polenta
50g unsalted butter
30g parmesan, grated
Salt and black pepper
For the salsa verde
25g picked flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
25g picked mint, finely chopped
25g picked tarragon, finely chopped
10g capers, drained, rinsed and finely chopped
10g cornichons, drained and finely chopped
10g anchovy fillets in oil, drained and finely chopped
2 tbsp dijon mustard
10ml good olive oil
5ml red-wine vinegar
For the pork
600g pork fillet, trimmed
Oil, for frying
Zest of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
5 sage leaves
In a bowl, mix the pork fillet, lemon zest, garlic and sage, then cowl and put within the fridge in a single day.
For the salsa verde, combine the herbs with the capers, cornichons, anchovies and mustard, then stir within the oil and vinegar till the combo comes collectively.
Convey 1.2 litres of water to a boil, then whisk within the polenta, scale back the warmth and cook dinner, stirring each couple of minutes so its consistency stays clean, for 45 minutes, till thick.
Put just a little oil in a heavy-based frying pan on a medium warmth, then fry the pork fillet, turning each 90 seconds, for eight to 10 minutes, till it’s golden brown throughout and cooked via. Depart to relaxation for 3 minutes.
As soon as the polenta is thick, shiny and unctuous, beat within the butter and the parmesan, and season. Preserve whisking and, as soon as the parmesan and butter have melted, use a scorching spoon to dish up the polenta. Because it hits the plate, it ought to recline as one does on an armchair after a protracted day.
Slice the pork, organize it on high of the polenta and serve with the salsa verde spooned over the meat.
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