Fried Polenta Squares with Creamy Mushroom Ragu

  4.6 – 5 reviews  • Polenta Recipes

You won’t be able to resist Beth Kirby of Local Milk’s rich, comforting side dish.

Prep Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 4 cups water
  2. 1 cup polenta
  3. ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  4. ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  6. 1 small yellow onion, diced
  7. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  8. 1 pound mixed wild mushrooms (like shiitake, oyster, chanterelle, hen of the woods), cleaned and sliced
  9. 1 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  10. 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
  11. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  12. ½ cup dry white wine
  13. ¼ cup heavy cream
  14. 1 teaspoon sugar
  15. 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice
  16. ½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  17. 1 sheet Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Whisk in the polenta. Once it begins to thicken, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes until creamy and thick, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Stir in the Parmesan and a 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until melted and cheese is no longer visible. Remove from heat.
  2. Line an 8×11 inch baking dish with Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil and carefully pour the polenta into the baking dish, using a spatula to smooth it to an even thickness, about 3/4 inch. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to two days until firm.
  3. While the polenta chills, make your ragu. In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and saute until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent browning. Add mushrooms and thyme and cook over medium-high heat until the mushrooms start to release their liquid. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and continue to cook another 5 minutes until they begin to soften more.
  4. Add flour, stirring, until it is no longer visible, about 1 minute. Add in the wine, cream and sugar, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Taste and adjust salt if desired. Simmer until thick and creamy and the mushrooms are nicely coated, about 15 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup minced parsley. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
  5. Slice your polenta into squares — whatever size you desire. Wipe down your skillet, coat it with nonstick cooking spray, and heat it over medium-high. Fry the squares in the pan until golden brown and warmed through. To serve, top the squares with warm mushroom ragu.
  6. Line your baking pan with Reynolds Wrap(R) Aluminum Foil for perfect polenta every time!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 448 kcal
Carbohydrate 47 g
Cholesterol 33 mg
Dietary Fiber 7 g
Protein 19 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Sodium 949 mg
Sugars 6 g
Fat 19 g
Unsaturated Fat 0 g

Reviews

Daniel House
I was delicious except we thought it needed a little salt & pepper. It was enjoyed by the entire family! And….EASY!
Richard Tanner
Really nice, and a great way to use up left-over polenta! The creamy mushroom ragu is really flavorful (would be great with pasta as well). Add a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top, for a little extra flavor.
Jeffrey Torres
loved it just the way it was!
Kenneth Barrett
I will make it again. I use shalllots instead of the onion.
Heidi Smith
What’s not to like? Stick to your ribs grilled polenta & earthy mushroom ragoût! As per recipe with olive oiled & grilled polenta squares (triangles preferred…)

 

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