Creamy Polenta With Mushrooms

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Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms: A Comfort Food Delight

Indulge in the rustic charm of Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms, a dish that effortlessly combines simplicity with exquisite flavors. This comforting Italian staple is a perfect marriage of creamy, cheesy polenta and earthy, savory mushrooms, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will warm your soul.

At its heart, this dish features polenta, a coarsely ground cornmeal that transforms into a velvety smooth base when cooked with broth, butter, and Parmesan cheese. The slow cooking process allows the polenta to release its natural sweetness and develop a luxuriously creamy consistency. Each spoonful is a testament to the beauty of slow food and mindful preparation.

The star of the show, however, is the medley of mushrooms. Typically featuring a combination of varieties like cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, this dish celebrates the diverse flavors and textures that fungi have to offer. Sautéed with garlic, herbs like thyme and rosemary, and a touch of white wine, the mushrooms develop a deep, savory character that perfectly complements the creamy polenta.

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the type of mushrooms used based on seasonality and availability, or add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of truffle oil can elevate the dish to restaurant-worthy status. Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms is not only a delicious meal but also a blank canvas for culinary creativity. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy night in, a simple yet elegant dinner party, or a satisfying vegetarian option.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms is a dish that’s sure to impress. Its simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and unforgettable flavor make it a timeless classic that you’ll want to make again and again. Discover the comforting allure of this Italian masterpiece and experience the magic of creamy polenta paired with the earthy goodness of mushrooms.

Creamy Polenta With Mushrooms Ingredients

2 cups milk of choice (dairy or plant based)5 cups water1 tsp salt (to taste)2 cups polenta4 tbsp butter1 tbsp Parmesan (freshly grated)

Topping

1/2 cup dried mushrooms of choice5 tbsp butter (divided)2 cloves garlic (minced)3 cups fresh mushrooms of choice (thinly sliced)1 tsp fresh thyme1 tbsp dark soy sauce1 tbsp heavy cream1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil1 tsp balsamic vinegar1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Steps

Add water & milk into a large pot, simmer over medium high heat & add salt.Add polenta, stirring with a whisk for 2 mins to prevent clumping.Reduce heat to low, cook for 45 mins, stirring every 10 mins, until polenta reaches desired consistency.Add butter & Parmesan, taste for seasoning.Meanwhile, rehydrate dried mushrooms with 1/2 cup of boiling water in a bowl & set aside for 20 mins.Drain mushrooms & thinly slice (reserve stock)Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a pan over high heat, add garlic & cook for 30 secs.Add both mushrooms & thyme, sauté for 3 mins until browned then add 1/2 of mushroom stock & deglaze pan.Reduce stock by 1/2, increase heat to medium low & whisk in remaining butter.Add soy sauce, cream, olive oil, black pepper & balsamic vinegar, cook for 2 mins & taste for seasoning.Scoop polenta into serving plates/bowls, top with mushrooms, garnish with more cheese, parsley & chilli flakes (optional) & serve immediately.