Can't Go Wrong with Mushrooms and Polenta

Prepared a wonderful standby dinner last night: Creamy Parmesan Polenta with Truffled Mushroom and Lentil Ragu, Braised Greens and Blistered Tomatoes (the Braised Greens and Blistered Tomatoes recipes are already posted). It's honestly one of those fairly simple to prepare meals that is always satisfying and can easily be interchanged to use a variety of seasonal produce. It's also a elegant meal that can easily be made to feed a crowd.

Creamy Parmesan Polenta: Yields 4 Servings
2 T butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3-4 cups vegetable stock
1 cup polenta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper, to taste

Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until tender and slightly golden. Pour in stock; bring to a boil and stir in polenta. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and tender. If polenta becomes too thick, add additional stock to thin. Stir in cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.


Truffled Mushroom and Lentil Ragu: Yields 4 Servings
2 T olive oil
1 Vidalia onion, diced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz mixed mushrooms, sliced
1 cup vegetable stock
10 oz lentils, cooked and drained
2 t tomato paste
salt and pepper, to taste
truffle oil (for drizzling)
porcini salt (optional garnish)

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and thyme; cook until tender and starting to caramelize. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until brown and liquid has evaporated. Deglaze the pan with stock; stir in lentils and tomato paste and season to taste with salt and pepper. On each serving, drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with porcini salt (if using).


This ragout was so addictive. I guarantee you'll enjoy it. This week is super crazy at work (12+ hour days), so I'm not too sure when I'll get to make my next dinner. But, be sure to check back for Vegetarian Chili with Smoked Cheddar Cornbread and Red Pepper Jam. XOXO from one chef to another!