bohemianwanderer – Polenta makes a comforting and versatile base for many dishes. This recipe uses whole milk and coarse cornmeal to create a rich, creamy texture. Begin by combining 600ml of water with 250ml of whole milk in a saucepan. Whisk in 150g of coarse cornmeal until fully blended.
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Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the polenta simmer. Stir it every five to ten minutes to keep it smooth. If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it.
Cook the polenta for about 45 minutes until it becomes soft and creamy. Near the end of cooking, whisk in 30g of butter to enrich the flavor and smooth the texture. Adjust the consistency based on preference. Add more water or milk for a softer result, or cook longer for thicker polenta.
Once done, spoon the warm polenta into bowls to serve as the base for the topping. This method yields a comforting, gently textured polenta that pairs beautifully with sweet and savory accompaniments.
Creating Sweet-and-Sour Figs with Caramelized Onions and Rosemary
While the polenta cooks, prepare the sweet-and-sour fig topping. Heat a splash of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add two thinly sliced red onions, half of 10g finely chopped rosemary, and a pinch of sea salt. Toss the ingredients in the warm oil and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
Stir occasionally until the onions caramelize and turn golden brown. Once caramelized, add 20g of brown sugar and 20ml of aged balsamic vinegar to the pan. Continue cooking until the onions become jammy and sticky, intensifying their flavor.
Next, halve 6 to 8 ripe figs and gently stir them into the pan with the onions. Add the remaining rosemary leaves to infuse the mixture with a fresh herbal aroma. Allow the figs to soften slightly without losing their shape.
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Serve the caramelized onion and fig mixture over the creamy polenta. Then, finish the dish with freshly shaved Pecorino Romano cheese for a sharp, salty contrast. Altogether, this combination creates a delicious balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
This recipe serves four and offers a sophisticated yet approachable dish ideal for sharing. Moreover, the blend of textures and tastes will impress guests and elevate a simple meal. For a complete dining experience, consider pairing it with a light salad or roasted vegetables.