Pan-Fried Polenta with Marinara

Much like grits, polenta is a delightful cornmeal creation that can be enjoyed in various textures, either firm or creamy. In this recipe, we’ll explore the satisfying world of Pan-Fried Polenta with Marinara. Polenta is boiled to perfection and then transformed into delectable squares, fried to a crisp, golden brown. These flavorful polenta squares are served with a rich and savory Basic Marinara Sauce, creating a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

SERVES 4-5

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons butter or vegan margarine, such as Earth Balance
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups Pressure Cooker Vegetable Stock (see Chapter 5), or water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup coarse polenta
• 1 cup corn kernels, canned or fresh
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 cups Basic Marinara Sauce

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Polenta Base: In your pressure cooker, add the butter and sauté the diced onion until it begins to take on a lovely golden brown hue. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Pour in the Pressure Cooker Vegetable Stock (or water), salt, and thyme, and bring the mixture to a boil. Gradually add the cornmeal, coarse polenta, and corn kernels while stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
2. Cook to Perfection: Lock the lid into place on your pressure cooker and bring it to high pressure. Maintain this pressure for approximately 10 minutes. Once the cooking time has elapsed, remove the pressure cooker from heat and proceed to perform a quick pressure release. Allow the polenta to cool and firm up for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cut and Fry: Once the polenta has achieved a firm consistency, cut it into squares, each measuring about 2 inches. These squares are the stars of the dish. In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil. Place the polenta squares into the hot oil and fry them until both sides are gloriously browned and crisp.
4. Serve with Marinara: To complete this flavorful dish, serve the pan-fried polenta squares with the delightful Basic Marinara Sauce. This savory sauce adds a layer of rich and robust flavor to the crispy polenta, making each bite a mouthwatering experience.

FLAVOR VARIATION:

• Feel free to get creative with this dish by incorporating sautéed vegetables into the polenta before allowing it to cool. Chopped and sautéed leeks can lend a wonderful depth of flavor, while fresh sautéed bell peppers can provide a burst of color and taste.

Pan-Fried Polenta with Marinara offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. The crispy exterior of the polenta squares contrasts beautifully with the rich and savory marinara sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!