Crostini di polenta ai funghi (polenta crostini & mushroo

8 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
1 ounce Dried porcini mushrooms
4 tablespoons Olive oil
1 large Red onion, finely minced
1 pounds Fresh brown mushrooms,
6 cups Water
2½ teaspoon Salt cleaned & sliced
3 smalls Ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon Parsley
Salt & pepper
2 cups Cornmeal, finely ground
Olive oil

Directions

POLENTA

Soak the porcini mushrooms in warm water to cover for at least 45 minutes. Carefully remove from liquid & rinse well under cold water.

Chop roughly & pat dry.

Heat olive oil in a heavy saute pot & saute onion until it is translucent & soft. Add the garlic & all the mushrooms. Reduce heat to low & cook, stirring intermittently, for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender. Add the tomatoes, parsley, salt & pepper & cook for another 5 minutes.

POLENTA: Bring the salted water to vigorous boil in a large pot.

Reduce heat to low & slowly sprinkle in the cornmeal in a thin stream, first whisking it in & then stirring constantly being careful to eliminate any lumps. Keep the water at a steady simmer & stir frequently. When it comes away from the side of the pot, after 20 or 25 minutes, then it is cooked. Check for salt. Allow to cool by pouring onto a baking sheet & patting until it is as smooth as possible.

Cut the polnta into slices that are 2" wide & 3" to 4" long. Brush lightly with the olive oil. Broil until they are firm & lightly crisp on both sides. Place a spoonful of the hot mushroom sauce on the top of each crostini & serve.

Can be served as an appetizer, as an antipasto, as a side dish or as a main dish.

Carol Field, "Italy in Small Bites" Submitted By MARK SATTERLY On 03-27-95

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