*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

       CROSTINI DI POLENTA AI FUNGHI (POLENTA CROSTINI & MUSHROO

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 8    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Appetizers                       Italian
               Side dish                        Vegetarian

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1       oz           Dried porcini mushrooms
  4       tb           Olive oil
  1       lg           Red onion, finely minced
  1       lb           Fresh brown mushrooms,
                       -- cleaned & sliced
  3       sm           Ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
  1       tb           Parsley
                       Salt & pepper
                       -----POLENTA-----
  6       c            Water
  2 1/2   ts           Salt
  2       c            Cornmeal, finely ground
                       Olive oil

 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.



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