Swiss Chard and Grilled Polenta
This makes a satisfying dish or a hearty first course for dinner. Makes 6 servings.


Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups cornmeal
3 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 quart skim milk
Butter-flavored cooking spray
1 bunch Swiss chard, about 1 pound
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
6 ounces wild or domestic mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup dry red wine
One 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
11/2 tablespoon fresh sage or 2 teaspoons dried
3/4 grated Parmesan cheese


Instructions:
1. Prepare polenta by combining cornmeal, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and milk in a microwaveable, 2-quart casserole.

2. Cook at full power in a microwave oven, uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring once.

3. Let stand 3 minutes.

4. Spray an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with butter-flavored cooking spray and pour polenta into it, spreading out evenly.

5. Put in the refrigerator to cool.

6. When completely cooled, cut into 6 equal pieces.

7. Meanwhile, separate chard stems from leaves.

8. Stack and roll leaves, cigar-style, and cut into 1/2 -inch strips.

9. Cut stems crosswise into 3/8 inch-wide crescents.

10. Wash in lots of cool water. Drain.

11. Put oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

12. Add onion and mushrooms and cook, stirring, until onion and mushrooms begin to soften.

13. Add garlic, cook a few minutes more, then add wine, tomatoes, and paste.

14. Bring to a boil, add chard, and season well with remaining salt and pepper.

15. Reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes.

16. Add parsley and sage during the last 5 minutes.

17. Preheat broiler.

18. Spray a small baking sheet with butter-flavored cooking spray.

19. Distribute polenta pieces evenly and spray the tops.

20. Broil about 5 minutes on each side or until nicely browned.

21. To serve, put a piece of polenta on each of 6 plates (preferably soup plates), top with chard, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan.

Cooking Tip
Polenta, soft or firm, is so much easier to make when it is microwaved. If you're one of the few who doesn't have a microwave oven, you can make polenta on top of the stove by adding the cornmeal to a saucepan of boiling salted water or milk in a stream. Stir with a wooden spoon until it comes away from the sides of the pan, about 20 minutes.




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