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Comfort food. What could possibly make it any better? Versatility, that’s what. We’ll get to that after I sketch the outline. The original recipe called for only 1/4 cup of onion— what?! We like onion so I throw in a whole medium yellow onion. I use a touch more garlic and reserve the bacon as a garnish for texture– creamy polenta and crunchy bacon means yum! Some crushed red pepper flakes never hurts either.
Back to that beautiful “V” word, I serve it as a side to roast meats, meatballs, and roasted vegetables. I send it for lunches packed in thermoses and we even enjoy it all by itself. However, there is another way, and it is my favorite way.
First, crack open the windows to let the cool Fall air stream in. Then, put on your favorite bulky sweater (hoodie- optional). Ladle a good scoop of the creamy, cheesy polenta into a shallow bowl. Fry up an an egg, gently place it on top, and garnish with the salty, smoky bacon bits and fresh parsley. Set your hard working body down into your favorite comfy chair and dig in– mmm! Now the only thing keeping you from getting out of that chair (and right back in) is dessert.
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Corn Polenta with Bacon and Fontina
Ingredients
- ½ cup (4 ounces) finely chopped bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 5 cups low-salt chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh or frozen, thawed corn kernels
- 1 cup polenta or coarse corn meal
- 1 cup packed, about 3-ounces grated Fontina cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the bacon until browned and crisp, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings. Add the onion and garlic to the drippings and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil. Whisking constantly, gradually add the cornmeal. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is soft and thick, about 20 minutes. Add the cheeses and stir until completely melted, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with the reserved cooked bacon, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I was just wondering…can I have the bacon replaced with the beefy variant? My dad was told to refrain from eating pork. He has been complaining that food doesn't taste good anymore, so i want to cook a special meal for him. Thanks!
Anna-
The polenta with the sweetness from the corn and the rich creaminess of the cheese can stand all by itself. The bacon (and its drippings) just as that "bacon makes everything better" taste. I am not sure what you mean by beef "variant", but as long as you adjust the salt level accordingly, I am sure it would be tasty!
This was sooooo tasty!!! We had it with the fried egg and just loved it!
Jill-
You enjoyed it my favorite way! Thank you for letting me know:) Best!
Wow, this looks delicious and easy. I LOVE the egg idea. Can't wait to make this!