SUN-DRIED TOMATO TAPENADE ON POLENTA TRIANGLES

Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade on Polenta Triangles image

Yield Makes 24

Number Of Ingredients 16

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Tapenade
12 black brine-cured olives (such as Kalamata), pitted
9 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, well-drained, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 small garlic clove, minced
Polenta
1 1/4 cups whipping cream
1 1/4 cups water
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
4 tablespoons olive oil
Chopped parsley

Steps:

For Tapenade:
Combine all ingredients in processor. Using on/of turns, process until finely chopped. Transfer to small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
For Polenta:
Combine whipping cream, water and salt in heavy medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Gradually whisk in cornmeal. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir until polenta is thick, about 10 minutes. Mix in hot sauce. Season with pepper. Pour into 8-inch square glass baking dish. Chill until cold, about 1 hour. (Tapenade and polenta can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.)
Cut polenta into 12 squares. Cut each square in half diagonally, forming 24 triangles. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat. Working in batches, add polenta triangles and sauté until golden, adding remaining 2 tablespoons oil as necessary, about 2 minutes per side for each batch. Transfer polenta to paper towels; drain.
Divide tapenade among triangles. Arrange on platter. Garnish with parsley. Serve at room temperature.