MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.06

     Title: Baked Broccoli Polenta w/Roasted Mushrooms
Categories: Vegetables, Chilies, Grains, Cheese
     Yield: 4 Servings

MMMMM--------------------------POLENTA-------------------------------
   1/4 c  + 2 T extra-virgin olive oil
          - divided
     1 sm Head broccoli; stems peeled,
          - coarse chopped into 3/4"
          - chunks (2 cups)
     1 ts Kosher salt; divided
          Crushed red chile flakes
     2 cl Garlic; coarse chopped
 3 1/2 c  Chicken or vegetable broth
     2 ts Unsalted butter
     1 c  Medium-ground polenta
 1 1/4 oz Fine grated Pecorino Romano

MMMMM-------------------------MUSHROOMS------------------------------
     1 lb Maitake mushrooms; torn in
          - bite-size pieces
   1/4 c  Extra-virgin olive oil
   1/2 ts Fine sea salt
          Flaky sea salt & cracked
          - black pepper

 Set the oven @ 375°F/190°C.

 Position one of the oven racks in the center and place a
 large baking sheet on top. Lightly oil and line a 9x5"
 loaf pan with a sheet of parchment paper long enough
 to hang over the wide edges and fold up and over the top
 of the finished loaf. Set aside.

 Make the polenta: In a large bowl, toss together the
 broccoli, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, the
 chile flakes, and garlic, then spread the mixture over
 the hot baking sheet in an even layer and roast until
 the broccoli is tender and slightly browned, about 15
 minutes.

 Remove the pan from the oven, then carefully transfer
 the broccoli to the bowl of a food processor and pulse
 just until it reaches a coarse, crumbly texture. (Do not
 purée.) Alternatively, hand chop the broccoli using a
 chef's knife. Set aside.

 In a medium pot over high heat, bring the chicken broth,
 butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a rolling boil, then
 remove from the heat and set aside.

 Set a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the polenta
 and cook, stirring continuously, until fragrant and
 toasty, about 2 minutes. Begin adding the hot broth to
 the polenta approximately 1 cup at a time, whisking
 until smooth after each addition. When all the liquid
 has been added, bring the polenta to a full boil, then
 turn the heat down to maintain a steady simmer and cook,
 whisking and scraping the bottom and the sides of the
 pot every 5 minutes, until the polenta is no longer al
 dente and the liquid is fully absorbed, 15-25 minutes.
 (The cook time will vary based on the brand of polenta,
 but the granules should feel soft to the bite; it will
 take some elbow grease to whisk at the end.)

 Using a wooden spoon, fold the reserved broccoli and the
 grated pecorino into the polenta until fully
 incorporated, then spoon the mixture into the lined loaf
 tin. Set aside until cool enough to handle, then fold
 the overhanging parchment flaps over the surface of the
 loaf, pressing down to level. Refrigerate for at least 2
 hours, or for up to 1 week.

 When ready to serve, set the oven to broil (convection
 broil, if available). Position one of the oven racks in
 the center and place a large baking sheet on top.

 Meanwhile, use the parchment paper to transfer the
 polenta from the loaf pan and onto a cutting board; cut
 crosswise into eighteen 1/2" thick slices. When the
 oven is hot, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to the
 hot baking sheet; use a pastry brush to spread the oil
 around to coat the surface, then transfer the polenta
 slices to the sheet in a single layer. Brush the olive
 oil from the surface of the pan over the tops of the
 slices then broil until evenly golden brown, 15-20
 minutes. Keep warm while you roast the mushrooms.

 COOK THE MUSHROOMS: Turn the oven to 425°F/218°C and
 place another large baking sheet inside. When the oven
 is hot, place the mushrooms on the baking sheet and
 drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Season generously
 with fine sea salt and bake until the mushrooms are
 crispy on the edges, about 15 minutes. Remove from the
 oven and set aside.

 Arrange the polenta slices over a large platter. Top
 with the roasted mushrooms, season to taste with flaky
 sea salt and black pepper, and serve hot.

 By Julia Sherman

 RECIPE FROM: https://www.saveur.com

 Uncle Dirty Dave's Archives

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