Sundried Tomato And Olive Polenta Ancient Renaissance Recipes

Steps:

• boil the vegetable broth; once boiling, stir in the polenta - let it simmer on low heat while stirring frequently for 15 minutes.
• Remove from the heating element; stir in the crumbled feta, shredded parmesan, chopped sundried tomatoes, chopped up basil, and sliced olives.
• once stirred in evenly, put the mixture in a GREASED cake pan (or any circular or square shaped container of similar diameter) and spread/press down evenly.
• let the mixture firm up in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.
• once firm, cut the firm polenta mixtures into slices (approximately 16); coat in flour, shaking off excess.
• fry the floured polenta in olive oil until nicely browned; then drain on paper towel.

Steps:

• Pour the stock into a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the polenta, and stir continuously over a medium heat for 3-4 mins until thickened and just coming away from the edges of the pan. Add the olives, tomatoes, oil and most of the parmesan, and stir for a further minute until well combined. Season.
• Spoon the polenta mixture onto a lined swiss roll tray or baking sheet. Place another sheet of baking parchment on top and roll out to 1cm thick, then remove the top sheet of parchment and scatter with the remaining parmesan. Leave the polenta to cool at room temperature for 1 hr to set. Alternatively, if you're making it ahead, leave to cool and chill for several hours or overnight.
• Once the polenta has set, heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut or stamp the polenta sheet into shapes of your choice, and arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment. Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and crisp, and serve warm. Will keep for up to a day in the fridge.

Steps:

• Stir balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl; fold in sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, green olives, and garlic. Season with black pepper. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for flavors to blend, at least 2 hours to overnight.
• Arrange cream cheese halves on 2 serving dishes; spoon tapenade over cream cheese.

Steps:

• Lightly grease a round sandwich (sponge)cake pan.
• Using a large saucepan, bring the stock to a boil. Add the polenta and reduce to a simmer. Stir constantly for about 10-15 minutes, or until the polenta is very thick.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the cheeses, basil, olives and tomatoes.
• Press the polenta mixture firmly into the prepared tin. Smooth over the top. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate until firm. this will be at least 2 hours.(This stage can be done a day ahead).
• Cut polenta into 16 wedges. Dust the wedges in flour (use either regular or gluten-free/rice flour)and shallow fry in a large frying pan, until browned and crisp on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper (or use a wire rack) before serving.
• Variation- use a larger tin - that will produce a flatter polenta cake. Cut into squares or wedges. Spray with a cooking oil spray and grill, BBQ or use a health grill.
• Should have 8 serves.

Steps:

• For Tapenade:
• Combine all ingredients in processor. Using on/of turns, process until finely chopped. Transfer to small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• For Polenta:
• Combine whipping cream, water and salt in heavy medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Gradually whisk in cornmeal. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir until polenta is thick, about 10 minutes. Mix in hot sauce. Season with pepper. Pour into 8-inch square glass baking dish. Chill until cold, about 1 hour. (Tapenade and polenta can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.)
• Cut polenta into 12 squares. Cut each square in half diagonally, forming 24 triangles. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat. Working in batches, add polenta triangles and sauté until golden, adding remaining 2 tablespoons oil as necessary, about 2 minutes per side for each batch. Transfer polenta to paper towels; drain.
• Divide tapenade among triangles. Arrange on platter. Garnish with parsley. Serve at room temperature.