Creamy Grain Corn Polenta

Polenta is an Italian dish found in Northern Italy and is a grain textured porridge type dish made from cornmeal, chestnuts or chickpeas. Polenta is slow-cooked in liquid until the grains swell and the starches are released. At this point, it has a thick, creamy consistency and is ready to be eaten. Today, polenta is a perfect base dish for hearty slow-cooked beef ribs or sautéed vegetables. Try it using Ontario coarsely ground cornmeal or ground polenta (corn grinds).

Ingredients:

• 400 grams ground polenta
• 3 litres (13 cups) of vegetable stock
• 500 ml (2 cups) 10% cream
• 100 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 100 ml white wine
• 3 minced shallots
• 2 minced garlic gloves
• 100 grams of minced double-smoked bacon (about 5 strips)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig minced of rosemary
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and cracked pepper to taste.

Directions:

1. In a heavy bottom pot, cook on medium 3 minced shallots, garlic and minced bacon in 2tbsp of olive oil stirring frequently.
2. Stir in 100ml white wine, reduce the liquid in pot by 2/3rd.
3. Add the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, whisk in the ground polenta and reduce the heat to a light simmer.
4. Add the bay leaf and minced rosemary and simmer.
5. If the polenta begins to get too stiff, add 100ml of water or stock at a time until the desired consistency is achieved- keep in mind, you will be adding some cream to finish as well
6. Once the polenta has had a chance to simmer (about 20 mins) finish with light cream, salt and cracked pepper and it’s ready to go!