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Something Warm

Yields1 Serving

"Chill in the Air Classic Comfort Foods" Menu currently featuring Creamy Polenta with Mushroom Ragout!

For the mushroom ragout
 3 tablespoons salted butter
 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
 Pinch sea salt
 2 garlic cloves, minced
 2 pounds mixed fresh mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, cremini, portobello…your favourites), coarsely chopped (10 to 12 cups)
 ½ cup red wine (or sherry if you prefer)
 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream, 35%
 ¼ cup chopped mixed fresh herbs, coarsely chopped (pick your favourite - tarragon, parsley, thyme or chives – yes, pun intended)
 ½ teaspoon sea salt
 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the polenta
 1 cup instant polenta
 ¼ teaspoon sea salt
 2 tablespoons salted butter
 1/4 cup mascarpone or blue cheese, crumbled (pick your favourite soft cheese depending on how you’d your polenta flavoured)!
 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
 Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for garnish
 Mason Jars for serving
For the mushroom ragout
1

In a heavy skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, a pinch of salt. Start cooking, stirring occasionally. Cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown. Add fresh mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms start to soften and turn golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.

2

Splash in the red wine and boil rapidly to heat through, about 2 minutes.

3

Stir in the heavy cream and the herbs (reserve ½ tablespoon for garnish). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Taste and add more cream if you like prefer a creamier ragout (if you’re anything like me, you LOVE sauces, so the more sauce the better)! Keep warm.

For the polenta
4

Bring 3 ½ cups of water to a boil in a large heavy-duty saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sea salt and then gradually whisk in the polenta in a steady stream. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the polenta absorbs the water and thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in the butter, the soft cheese and the Parmigiano - blend until well mixed. Taste polenta and if you prefer a stronger cheesier flavour, add more cheese – your call! Tip: If the polenta stiffens up, stir in boiled water, a tablespoon at a time until the polenta becomes creamy again.

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