Polenta pie with cheese

Recipe for Polenta and Cheese Tart - A Nostalgic Delight

Who would have thought that polenta, such a simple dish, could shine in all its glory as a delicious tart? This polenta and cheese tart recipe is not just a simple appetizer, but a true love letter to traditional ingredients. It’s the perfect combination of the creamy texture of cheese and the comforting taste of polenta, guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Necessary Ingredients:

- 300 grams of polenta (made from 1 liter of water and 150 grams of cornmeal)
- 200 grams of telemea cheese (or cottage cheese, according to preference)
- 200 grams of grated cheese (for a more intense flavor, use smoked cheese)
- 6 eggs (fresh, preferably from free-range hens)
- 70 grams of butter (for a rich taste)
- 250 grams of sour cream (for added creaminess)
- 1 pickled pepper (for decoration)

Practical Tips for Your Ingredients:

- Polenta: Make sure the polenta is well-cooked but not too soft. Perfect polenta should be thick enough to hold the structure of the tart.
- Cheese: If you prefer a less salty flavor, choose cottage cheese or ricotta. On the other hand, telemea cheese offers an intense savory note, ideal for this recipe.
- Eggs: Use fresh eggs for better flavor and a finer texture.

Step by Step: Making the Polenta and Cheese Tart

1. Preparing the Polenta: In a pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and gradually stir in 150 grams of cornmeal, mixing constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the polenta for about 15-20 minutes until it becomes thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

2. Preparing the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Meanwhile, prepare a tart pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter to prevent sticking.

3. Assembling the Tart: Place half of the polenta in the tart pan, spreading it evenly. Add small pieces of butter on top, followed by the crumbled cheese. This layer will add delicious flavor to the tart.

4. Adding the Remaining Polenta: Use a spatula to add the rest of the polenta, spreading it evenly. Here, you can let your creativity shine by adding herbs or spices if you wish.

5. Preparing for Baking: Pour the sour cream over the tart and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Then, place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese turns golden and the crust is crispy.

6. Cooking the Fried Eggs: While the tart is baking, fry the eggs in a pan with a little butter until the whites are opaque, but the yolks remain runny.

7. Finalizing and Serving: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. This step is essential for achieving beautiful slices. Place the fried eggs on top, and for a special look and taste, garnish with slices of pickled pepper.

Serving Suggestions:

The polenta and cheese tart is best served warm, but it can also be enjoyed the next day, reheated in the oven or fried in butter for a crispy texture. It pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or a side of pickles.

Possible Variations:

- Adding Vegetables: You can incorporate sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, between the layers of polenta and cheese for added nutrients and unique flavor.
- Diverse Cheeses: Instead of telemea cheese, you can use feta cheese for a stronger flavor or goat cheese for a distinct note.

Nutritional Information:

This tart is a good source of carbohydrates from polenta and protein from cheese and eggs, providing a balanced intake of nutrients. A serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a great choice for a hearty appetizer or a light meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can the tart be frozen? Yes, it can. Make sure to let it cool completely, then you can slice it and freeze. Reheat it in the oven before serving.
- What drinks pair well with the tart? Serve it with a dry white wine or craft beer. Additionally, herbal tea can wonderfully complement this dish.

Create unforgettable moments around the table with this polenta and cheese tart, a recipe that not only satisfies hunger but also evokes culinary traditions. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy every slice!