SPINACH-AND-CHICKEN RAGOUT OVER POLENTA

Spinach-and-Chicken Ragout Over Polenta image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Time 2h

Yield Four servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 teaspoons olive oil
4 chicken legs
4 chicken thighs
3 large cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 large onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
12 cups spinach leaves, washed and stemmed
1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
2 green bell peppers, roasted, stemmed, cored and cut into -inch squares
1/2 cup chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
4 cups water
4 teaspoons salt
1 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan. Add 1 teaspoon of oil and the garlic, lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 10 minutes. Add the spinach, turning it over with tongs, adding more as it wilts.
When all of the spinach is wilted, stir in the tomatoes and peppers. Stir in the broth. Nestle the chicken down into the mixture and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, after about 20 minutes, place the water and 2 teaspoons of salt in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the cornmeal in a slow, stream, whisking constantly. Reduce heat, switch to a wooden spoon and stir constantly, until mixture is thick, about 20 minutes.
Stir the vinegar into the ragout and season with 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper to taste. Divide the polenta among 4 shallow bowls and spoon the ragout over it, including a thigh and a drumstick in each portion. Serve immediately.