Ingredients:
- 1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
- 1 cup hot water (for soaking mushrooms)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Porcini Mushrooms:
- Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft.
- Once softened, drain the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid. Chop the rehydrated porcini mushrooms.
- Cook the Polenta:
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Slowly whisk in the polenta and salt, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the polenta, stirring frequently, until it thickens. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter until well combined.
- Prepare the Mushroom Mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the fresh mushrooms and chopped rehydrated porcini mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and any liquid has evaporated.
- Season the mushroom mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Polenta and Mushrooms:
- Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread half of the cooked polenta into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Top the polenta with the sautéed mushroom mixture.
- Cover the mushrooms with the remaining polenta.
- Bake:
- Bake the polenta in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until it is set and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the baked polenta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Slice and serve the baked porcini mushroom polenta warm.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Porcini Mushroom Polenta!