A dish that is always welcome at the table is polenta, especially during the winter. Beyond the traditional polenta served with tomato sauce, there are countless variations to present it, and one of them is stuffed polenta, as proposed in today's recipe. The fillings for polenta can be based on vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower mixed with white sauce, ham and cheese, mozzarella and cheese, or even ground meat. Polenta, a very ancient food, can...
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Heat a little oil in a skillet and sauté the chopped onion.
Add the ground meat and cook over high heat for two minutes.
Add the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for five more minutes.
Remove the filling from the heat and add the olives, sliced into rounds, and the mozzarella, cut into small cubes. Mix well and set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the butter, water, milk, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Heat over medium heat.
When the liquids are hot but not boiling, gradually sprinkle in the polenta while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps.
Remove from heat.
Grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
Pour half of the polenta into the dish, then spread the meat filling evenly over it.
Cover with the remaining polenta.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes or until the Parmesan cheese melts and the surface is golden brown.
Stir the polenta constantly while adding it to the liquid to avoid lumps.
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
Serve with a light tomato sauce for added flavor and moisture.
Can I use regular polenta instead of precooked polenta?
Yes, but the cooking time will be longer. Follow the instructions on the package for regular polenta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the dish ahead of time. Bake it just before serving for the best results.
What can I use as a substitute for green olives?
You can use black olives or capers as a substitute for green olives.
Can I freeze stuffed polenta?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Reheat in the oven until warmed through before serving.
What other cheeses can I use instead of mozzarella?
You can use provolone, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor.
