Polenta with sausage and mushrooms combines hearty ingredients with rich flavors, making it a dish that warms both the heart and soul. Imagine savoring the creamy texture of polenta, punctuated by savory bites of sausage and the earthy depth of mushrooms. It's an Italian classic that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or impressive get-togethers with friends.
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Polenta with Sausage and Mushrooms
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Polenta with Sausage and Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 ½ polenta
- 3 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup full-fat cream
- 3 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup parmesan
- 500 g 1 pound pork sausages
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 rosemary sprig chopped leaves
- 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon parsley chopped
- ¾ cup mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Saute onions for 5 minutes, add mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes more. Season with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary. Mix in cut sausages and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1 rosemary sprig, 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms, 500 g 1 pound pork sausages
- In a large pot, heat up some chicken stock and start slowly pouring in polenta, while whisking constantly. Cook for 15 minutes under the lid, pour in milk and cream, cover and cook for 10 minutes more. Season with salt, pepper, parmesan and mix in butter.1 ½ polenta, 3 ½ cups chicken stock, 1 ½ cups milk, ½ cup full-fat cream, ½ cup parmesan, 3 tablespoon butter
- Transfer polenta into the baking dish, top with ½ of mozzarella, add sausages and mushrooms and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.¾ cup mozzarella, 2 tablespoon parsley
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 1 ½ polenta
- 3 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup full-fat cream
- 3 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup parmesan
- 500 g (1 pound) pork sausages
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 rosemary sprig, chopped leaves
- 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- ¾ cup mozzarella
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Saute onions for 5 minutes, add mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes more. Season with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary. Mix in cut sausages and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large pot, heat up some chicken stock and start slowly pouring in polenta, while whisking constantly. Cook for 15 minutes under the lid, pour in milk and cream, cover and cook for 10 minutes more. Season with salt, pepper, parmesan and mix in butter.
Transfer polenta into the baking dish, top with ½ of mozzarella, add sausages and mushrooms and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
To elevate your dining experience with polenta and sausage, consider these enticing pairings that balance and enhance the dish's flavours:
Fresh Green Salad: A seasonal salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette will offer a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy polenta. The acidity from the dressing complements the savoury elements beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Vibrant roasted veggies, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs, will add both colour and texture to your plate. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the heartiness of the dish.
Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: Provide a satisfying crunch and an opportunity to soak up the delicious sauce. Warm, buttery garlic bread or slices of a rustic baguette can create a delightful contrast with the creamy polenta.
Herb-Infused Risotto: For something a bit more adventurous, serve a creamy risotto with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. The silky texture of the risotto complements the polenta without overpowering its flavour.
Sautéed Greens: Lightly sautéed Swiss chard or spinach with a hint of garlic brings a nutritious component to the meal. Their slight bitterness can balance the richness of the sausage and polenta.
These sides will not only create a well-rounded meal but also accentuate the comfort and warmth that polenta with sausage and mushrooms brings to the table. Enjoy experimenting with your combinations to find your perfect pairing!
⏲️Chef's Tip
To elevate your polenta dish to restaurant quality, consider these enhanced tips:
Consistency is Key: When cooking polenta, aim for a smooth and creamy texture. If you prefer a firmer polenta, reduce the liquid slightly. Adjusting the ratio of stock and milk can help you achieve the desired consistency.
Incorporate Flavorful Broths: Instead of just chicken stock, experiment with vegetable or mushroom broth for a deeper, umami-rich base. This can add additional layers of flavor that complement the sausage and mushrooms beautifully.
Experiment with Cheese Varieties: While parmesan and mozzarella are fantastic, don't hesitate to blend in other cheeses like gorgonzola or goat cheese for a unique twist. This will bring a different character to the dish and enhance its richness.
Don’t Rush the Cooking: Patience is key in both the preparation of the polenta and the browning of the sausage and mushrooms. Allowing the sausages to develop a crispy exterior enhances both texture and flavor.
Finishing Touches: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper before serving can elevate the visual appeal and add an extra dimension of taste. Additionally, adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the dish and balance the richness.
Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Polenta can solidify, but you can revive it by adding a bit of stock or milk while reheating to restore its creamy texture.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant polenta?
Yes, you can use instant polenta for a quicker version of this dish. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times.
What other mushrooms can I use?
Feel free to experiment with other mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for different textures and flavors.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Simply replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative or additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the polenta and sausage mixture in advance. Refrigerate them separately and then assemble and bake when you're ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze polenta with sausage and mushrooms?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’s best to consume within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?
If you need a substitute for parmesan cheese, pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work well to provide a similar flavour profile.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Polenta is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels of other ingredients like sausages and stock to ensure they don't contain gluten.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
In our fast-paced lives, there's something undeniably comforting about preparing a home-cooked meal. Food has the power to bring people together, evoking warmth, nostalgia, and connection. One dish that embodies this spirit of comfort is the classic casserole. Check out some of my favorite comfort food casseroles that you're going to love:
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