Smoked Tomato Soft Polenta With White Cheddar Recipe
Make Smoked Tomato Soft Polenta With White Cheddar Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Polenta base
Smoky tomato base
Cheese finish
Method
Prep and aromatics
- 1
If you are smoking tomatoes, preheat your smoker and smoke halved tomatoes for 20-25 minutes, then chop.
- 2
- 3
Add onion and sauté until translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
- 6
Add smoked paprika, cumin, and chipotle powder; cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Smoky tomato base
- 7
Add crushed tomatoes (or chopped smoked tomatoes) to the pan and stir to combine.
- 8
Pour in vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
- 9
Stir in balsamic vinegar and optional sugar; simmer 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 10
Season with salt and pepper to taste; keep warm on low.
Polenta
- 11
In a separate heavy-bottomed pot, combine 4 cups water, 1 cup milk, and 1 tsp salt; bring to a gentle simmer.
- 12
Slowly whisk in 1 cup polenta in a steady stream to avoid lumps.
- 13
Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking frequently, 15-20 minutes until thick and creamy.
- 14
Stir in 2 tbsp butter until melted and glossy.