VENETIAN STYLE POLENTA CAKES WITH CAVOLINI DI BRUXELLES RECIPE

Venetian Style Polenta Cakes with Cavolini Di Bruxelles Recipe image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Ingredients

1 quart water
1 quart heavy cream
8 ounces polenta
3/4 cup semolina flour
1 cup olive oil plus 2 tablespoons, divided
1 Spanish onion, 1/2-inch dice
5 ounces pancetta, 1/4-inch dice, optional
4 cups Brussels sprouts, cleaned and quartered
2 sprigs fresh thyme
4 bunches baby carrots, tops removed, washed, and cut in half
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

In a 6-quart stock pot combine the water and heavy cream and bring to a boil. Slowly add the polenta in a thin stream while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat to a low flame and slowly incorporate the semolina flour. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil 6 (3-inch) individual cake pans.
Take the cooled polenta and pack into the prepared cake pans. Place the polenta cakes on a half sheet pan and bake in preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes before unmolding.
In a large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and lightly cook the onions and pancetta, if using, until golden brown. Add the Brussels sprouts and thyme sprigs. Place in preheated oven and roast until soft, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Remove the thyme.
In a separate pan, combine the baby carrots with equal parts oil and water to cover. Slowly bring to a simmer and cook until tender. Remove the carrots from the oil and combine with the Brussels sprouts.
To finish, reheat the polenta cakes in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. As the polenta is cooking, slowly reheat the Brussels sprouts and carrots. Just before serving, place the polenta cakes in a bowl. Finish the Brussels sprouts and carrots with the red wine vinegar and salt and pepper, to taste. Arrange the vegetables around the polenta cakes in the bowl.