Polenta on the grill with cheese and sun-dried tomatoes in oil

Grilled Polenta with Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Who doesn’t love warm, creamy, and flavorful polenta? This recipe for grilled polenta with cheese and sun-dried tomatoes is perfect for a hearty breakfast or as a delicious appetizer. With a combination of textures and flavors, this dish quickly becomes a favorite in any household. Let’s discover together how to prepare it step by step and enjoy every bite!

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

The story behind the recipe

Polenta is a staple ingredient in many culinary cultures, with deep roots in traditions that date back hundreds of years. It has been cooked in various forms and combinations, often associated with moments of conviviality and joy. Grilled polenta with cheese and sun-dried tomatoes adds a modern twist to this classic, transforming it into a versatile dish ideal for any meal.

Ingredients

- 200 g cornmeal
- 1.2 l water
- 250 g crumbled cheese
- 1 jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 3-4 tablespoons flavored oil (from the sun-dried tomatoes)
- Salt, freshly ground pepper, chili flakes (to taste)

For serving:
- Eggs (one for each serving)
- Fresh cheese (e.g. cottage cheese) mixed with sour cream
- Smoked paprika (for garnish)

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the polenta
In a large pot, bring 1.2 liters of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. When the water starts to boil, gradually incorporate 200 g of cornmeal, stirring constantly with a whisk or a wooden spoon. It’s essential to keep stirring to avoid clumping. Reduce the heat and let the polenta simmer on low for about 15-20 minutes.

Helpful tip: If you prefer a softer polenta, add a little more water, being careful not to make it too runny, as you will need to pour it into a baking dish.

2. Adding the ingredients
Once the polenta is cooked, remove it from the heat and add the crumbled cheese, broken into pieces between your fingers, and the sun-dried tomatoes cut into quarters. Stir well with a spoon, then season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and chili flakes to taste. Also, add a few tablespoons of flavored oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes.

Frequently asked question: What type of cheese is best for polenta? Cottage cheese or telemea cheese are excellent, but you can also experiment with feta cheese for a stronger flavor.

3. Cooling the polenta
Prepare a baking tray by moistening a piece of parchment paper and placing it in the tray. Pour the hot polenta into the tray and level it evenly with a spoon. Allow it to cool completely so that it firms up.

4. Cutting and grilling
Once the polenta has cooled, cut it into triangles, squares, or circles (based on preference). Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Spray a little oil in the pan and, when it gets hot, add the pieces of polenta. Let them brown on each side for about 3-4 minutes until they become golden and crispy.

Variation: You can also add some fresh herbs (e.g. basil, oregano) to the polenta mixture for an extra flavor boost.

5. Serving
The grilled polenta is served warm, ideally alongside a poached egg for a complete meal. On each serving, add a spoonful of fresh cheese mixed with sour cream and sprinkle a little smoked paprika for a refined taste.

Serving suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of grilled vegetables.

Nutritional information

Each serving of grilled polenta contains approximately:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g

Useful tips

- Leftover polenta: If you have leftover polenta, you can use it to make croquettes or patties by adding an egg and breadcrumbs.
- Olive oil: Use high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavor of the polenta and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Creative attempts: Add olives or roasted bell peppers to the mixture for a more complex version of the recipe.

Now that you know how to prepare this grilled polenta with cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, all that’s left is to give it a try! Whether you serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’re sure to impress anyone. Enjoy your meal!