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Truffled Creamy Polenta





Yields
MAKES: 6 side-dish servings

NOTES: This rich polenta is based on one served by chef Mark Purdy, formerly of the Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg, California. For Purdy's deluxe version, omit the mushrooms and stir 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped black truffles into polenta with the cheeses. Truffle oil is available in specialty markets; use either white or black. Look for Italian brands of polenta or cornmeal labeled "polenta"; avoid instant. Polenta's cooking time depends on your preference. In our tests, 20 minutes produced creamy polenta with tender, separate grains; after 40 minutes, the mixture was thicker, with softer, less distinct grains.

 5 cups milk
 1 cup polenta
  About 1/2 teaspoon salt
 1 tablespoon butter
 1 cup finely chopped rinsed black trumpet, chanterelle, or common mushrooms (or use a mixture)
 1/2 cup mascarpone or cream cheese (4 oz.)
 2 tablespoons fresh-grated parmesan cheese
 1 teaspoon truffle oil (see notes)
 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
  Pepper
Step 1
1

In a 3-quart pan over high heat, bring milk to a boil. Reduce heat to a low boil.

Step 2
2

Stirring constantly, pour in polenta in a slow, thin stream, pausing occasionally to break up any lumps. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Step 3
3

Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until polenta is thick and creamy to bite and pulls away slightly from sides of pan when stirred, 20 to 40 minutes (see notes); adjust heat as necessary to maintain a simmer.

Step 4
4

While polenta cooks, melt butter in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium heat. Stir in mushrooms. Stir often until liquid has evaporated and mushrooms are browned, about 7 minutes.

Step 5
5

Stir mushrooms, mascarpone cheese, parmesan cheese, truffle oil, and sherry vinegar into polenta. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and drizzle with more truffle oil to taste.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

Amount per serving
Calories408
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g25%

Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 51mg17%
Sodium 360mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 47g18%

Dietary Fiber 4.8g18%
Protein 13g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.