Polenta with cheese and crispy bacon

Polenta with cheese and fried bacon – A traditional recipe, full of flavor

In a world full of sophisticated recipes and modern dishes, polenta with cheese and fried bacon remains a symbol of culinary comfort. This rustic delicacy reminds us of the bountiful meals from childhood, where the aroma of fresh, natural ingredients filled our souls with joy. Polenta is not just a simple dish; it is a story, a tradition, and a way to connect with our roots.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 400 g cornmeal
- 300 g sheep cheese (or telemea cheese, depending on preferences)
- 150 g bacon
- 50 g oil (or, for a more authentic taste, lard)
- A pinch of salt
- Water (approximately 1 liter, depending on desired consistency)

Step 1: Preparing the bacon

We start by preparing the bacon, an essential ingredient that will add a special flavor to our polenta.

1. Cutting the bacon: Cut the bacon into small cubes, about 1 cm.
2. Frying: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the bacon cubes. Let them fry for 5-7 minutes or until they become golden and crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure even frying. Once the bacon is ready, remove it from the pan and let it drain on a paper towel.

Step 2: Cooking the polenta

Polenta is a dish that requires a little attention, but it is definitely worth the effort.

1. Preparing the water: In a large pot, bring approximately 1 liter of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the polenta.
2. Adding the cornmeal: When the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. Start pouring the cornmeal into the water, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Cooking: Continue stirring for 15-20 minutes until the polenta becomes thick and creamy. If you prefer a softer consistency, you can add a little more water.

Step 3: Assembling the polenta

Now that you have prepared both the bacon and the polenta, it is time to assemble them in a dish that can go in the oven.

1. Preparing the dish: Take a ceramic dish or a baking tray and grease it with 1 tablespoon of oil or lard.
2. First layer: Add a layer of polenta to the dish, smoothing it out with a spatula.
3. Adding cheese and bacon: Sprinkle some of the sheep cheese and a few pieces of fried bacon over the polenta.
4. Subsequent layers: Continue alternating layers of polenta, cheese, and bacon, ensuring that the final layer consists of cheese and bacon. This will create a delicious crust at the top.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Baking: Place the dish in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese on top melts and becomes slightly golden.

Serving and suggestions

After the polenta is taken out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. You can serve the polenta with sour cream or yogurt to balance its rich flavor. A green salad or a tomato salad with onion can perfectly complement this dish.

Variations and tips

- Alternative cheeses: If you don’t have sheep cheese, you can use telemea cheese or mozzarella for a sweeter version.
- Additions: You can also add some slices of green onion or hot pepper for an extra kick.
- Care for the polenta: If there’s leftover polenta, you can use it the next day to make fried polenta, cut into slices.

Nutritional benefits

Polenta is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Sheep cheese provides protein and calcium, while bacon adds healthy fats (in moderation). This recipe is ideal for a comfort meal, but should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use cold polenta? Yes, cold polenta can be sliced and fried for a delicious dish.
2. How can I store polenta? Polenta can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
3. Is polenta vegan? No, but you can adapt the recipe using plant-based alternatives for cheese and bacon.

I conclude with a thought: polenta with cheese and fried bacon is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that brings together tradition and the pleasure of taste. So gather your family and enjoy this savory dish, full of memories and warmth!