Creamy polenta with bacon and sage
Instructions:
- Water or stock can be substituted for any or all of
the milk, but milk makes a creamier polenta.
- 2 ounces thickly sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves, plus more whole leaves for garnish
- 4 cups milk
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons quick-cooking polenta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, or more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
- Place a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the bacon, and cook until crisp and golden, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the saucepan; transfer to a paper-towel–lined plate. Set aside.
- Add the chopped sage to the saucepan, and cook in the bacon fat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the milk, and bring to a boil.
- Add the polenta in a steady stream, whisking constantly until it is smooth and creamy, about 6 minutes. Whisk in the butter, and season with the salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl, and crumble the reserved bacon on top. Heat the olive oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the whole sage leaves, and fry until crisp, about 30 seconds. Remove from the skillet; scatter over the polenta. Serve immediately.
- SERVES 4