One day I was making polenta and had some extra pesto in the fridge, so I threw it in to the mix and the result was extraordinary. Use any pesto recipe or store bought, your choice, can be dairy or parve.
Pesto Polenta with Frizzled Leeks
Servings
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 5 cups water or use mixture of water, milk, and/or broth
- 1/2 pound leeks about 2 medium, White and pale green parts cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup polenta cornmeal
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons pesto
Instructions
- Bring 5 cups water to boil in heavy large saucepan over high heat.
- While waiting for the water to boil, make the frizzled leeks.
- Cut leeks lengthwise into thin strips. In a bowl of water wash leeks and drain by lifting leeks from water into a colander. Dry leeks very well between layers of paper towels.
- In a saucepan at least 3 1/2 inches deep heat 1 inch oil. Working in very small batches fry leeks (oil will bubble up quite high) until golden, about 10 to 15 seconds, transferring with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Season frizzled leeks with salt. Leeks may be fried 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Back to the water. Gradually whisk in polenta, then 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for a minute then add pesto, mix and simmer until polenta is tender, thick, and creamy, whisking often and adjusting heat to maintain gentle simmer, 15 to 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and spoon onto plate or bowl.
Sorry about that, no sugar, that was a mistake. About 2 tablespoons of pesto would be nice, but you can add more if it is your preference. I wanted to also mention I have added harissa to polenta too and that is quite tasty as well if you like that flavor profile.
This sounds yummy. How much pesto? How much sugar?
Enjoy, it was one of those, let’s get rid of everything in the fridge moments that worked out really well, now I prefer it with pesto.
Tamar,
This looks delicious and I love Polenta.
Like you I’m a foodie, So I will be trying this recipe.