polenta with cheese and baked cheese

Polenta with cheese and baked cheese is a simple yet extremely tasty dish that brings together culinary tradition and the comfort of a warm meal. This dish is an excellent choice for any time of the day, whether it's a hearty breakfast, a comforting lunch, or a savory dinner.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g polenta (made from cornmeal)
- 200 g cheese
- 200 g telemea cheese or sheep cheese
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)

A bit of history:
Polenta is a traditional dish cherished by generations. It is made from cornmeal, a versatile ingredient that has been used in gastronomy for centuries. Polenta has always been a staple food due to its versatility and ability to satisfy hunger. Therefore, combining polenta with cheese is not only a delicious choice but also one that brings a part of our culinary history to the table.

Step by step for a perfect baked polenta with cheese:

1. Preparing the polenta:
If you don't have ready-made polenta, start by bringing 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. When the water starts to boil, gradually add 250 g of cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the polenta becomes thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot. Once ready, pour the polenta into a greased dish and let it cool.

2. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or 350 degrees Fahrenheit). It is important to have the oven ready before putting the food in so that the cheese melts evenly.

3. Assembling the dish:
After the polenta has cooled slightly, cut it in half horizontally to create two disks. Place one disk of polenta in a baking dish. Grate the cheese and telemea cheese, then sprinkle some of it evenly over the first half of the polenta. Add salt and pepper to taste, then place the other half of the polenta on top.

4. Adding the cheese:
On top of the polenta, add the remaining cheese. This generous layer of cheese will become golden and crispy in the oven, adding extra flavor to the dish.

5. Baking:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the polenta bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese on top has completely melted and started to turn golden. The aroma that will fill the kitchen during baking will be simply irresistible.

6. Serving:
Once the polenta is ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut generous portions and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh tomato salad or sour cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Useful tips:
- If you want to experiment, add spices like garlic powder or herbs (oregano, basil) between the layers of cheese.
- You can replace telemea cheese with feta cheese for a more intense flavor.
- If you have leftover polenta, it can be used the next day. Reheat it in the oven or in a pan with a bit of oil to achieve a crispy crust.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought polenta?
Yes, store-bought polenta is a convenient option and can be used successfully.

2. How can I store polenta?
Polenta can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or in a pan.

3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, polenta with cheese is a vegetarian dish, rich in protein and calcium.

4. What pairs well with this dish?
Polenta with cheese pairs well with a dry white wine or a pale beer, and for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, fresh tomato juice can be an excellent choice.

Nutritional benefits:
Polenta is a good source of carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Cheese and baked cheese provide a considerable amount of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. This dish is also low in calories, especially if you use low-fat cheese.

A personal note:
This recipe for baked polenta with cheese reminds me of Sunday family meals when we would all gather around the table, filled with laughter and stories. Each bite brings not only flavor but also cherished memories. Try this recipe and turn every meal into a celebration of flavors!

Whether you want to add a touch of tradition to your diet or simply want to enjoy a comforting dish, baked polenta with cheese is the perfect choice. Savor every moment spent in the kitchen and enjoy every bite!