Monday, May 5, 2014

Spicy Polenta Cakes



Polenta has peaked my curiousity for a very long time, especially since I love grits.

Guy Fieri's recipe seems to be the perfect recipe to start exploring Polenta since I love that it can be used as an appetizer or side dish, it is spicy and cheesy and I love the crispy texture.

I have a feeling I'm going to like them a bit too much!



Recipe and photo courtesy of Guy Fieri
The Food Network
SHOW: Guy's Big Bite
EPISODE: Comfort with a Kick




Ingredients


    • 1 cup milk
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking polenta, medium- or coarse-grain
    • 1 cup crumbled queso blanco cheese
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
    • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons honey, for serving
    • 1 lime, halved


Directions

Combine the milk, salt and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and slowly whisk in the polenta. 


Cook, whisking constantly, until the polenta tightens and there are no lumps, about 4 minutes. 

Stir in the queso blanco, butter, cilantro, pepper and jalapeno. 

Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Generously butter a 9-by-9-inch baking pan. Pour the polenta into the pan and set aside to cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, until firm.

Preheat a griddle pan over medium heat. Invert the polenta onto a clean cutting board and slice it into nine 3-inch squares. 


Brush the squares on both sides with the olive oil, then griddle them until golden brown and warmed through, about 3 minutes per side. 

While warm, drizzle the polenta cakes with the honey and squeeze lime juice over the top. Serve.






2 comments:

Catherine said...

Wonderful recipe Gina!
I love grits too. I never ate them growing up but tried them much later and was sold!!
Looks like a great recipe with the bit of spice.
Blessings dear. Catherine xo

Gina Alfani said...

Thanks Catherine! I can make a meal of grits with a little cheese and butter :) I've loved them as long as I can remember.

I'm surprised my Nana never made polenta!

Hope you are having a wonderful week . . . Gina

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