Mushroom Ragout with Cheddar Polenta

Instant polenta and sliced mushrooms help get this hearty, intensely flavorful dinner on the table in well under an hour. You can ladle the ragout over pasta or thickly sliced toast too.

Wine pairing: Decoy 2015 Pinot Noir (Sonoma County; $25)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 pounds sliced cremini or baby portabella mushrooms

1 cup chopped shallots (about 4 medium)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided

1 cup instant polenta

2 cups (8 oz.) coarsely shredded sharp cheddar cheese (preferably white), divided

Step 1

Heat a large deep frying pan (not nonstick) over medium-high heat until a drop of water skitters across its surface. Swirl in oil, add mushrooms, and cook undisturbed 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and stir in shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms have released all their liquid and shallots are tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and thyme; cook 1 minute. Stir in wine, scraping up any bits from bottom of pan, and cook until mostly evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add broth, 1/2 tsp. salt, and the pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens and mushrooms are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and 2 tbsp. parsley.

Step 3

Meanwhile, bring 1 qt. water and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stirring constantly, add polenta. Cook, stirring, until polenta thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 3/4 cups cheese. Cover and set aside until ready to serve.

Step 4

Just before serving, stir polenta and divide among four deep, wide bowls. Top with mushroom ragout, remaining 1/4 cup cheese, and remaining 2 tbsp. parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 683Calories from Fat 59

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 45g70%

Saturated Fat 20g100%
Cholesterol 86mg29%
Sodium 954mg40%
Total Carbohydrate 39g13%

Dietary Fiber 6.7g27%
Protein 23g46%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Mushroom Ragout with Cheddar Polenta