Polenta with tomato sauce

Polenta with tomato sauce - a simple Romanian dish, but full of flavor, perfect for a quick meal or a comforting dinner. This recipe combines the creamy texture of polenta with a flavorful tomato sauce, and each bite will transport you on a traditional culinary journey. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this tasty dish!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 300 g cold polenta (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or hot, to taste)
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or tomato puree)
- 1 fresh tomato, finely chopped (optional, for extra freshness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying

Step by step, here's how to prepare this delicacy:

1. Preparing the polenta: If you don't have pre-made polenta, prepare it in advance. Boil 1 liter of water with a teaspoon of salt, gradually add 200 g of cornmeal, and stir continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 20 minutes until creamy and smooth. Let it cool, then cut it into slices about 1-2 cm thick.

2. Heating the oil: In a non-stick pan, add enough oil to cover the bottom. Heat it over medium heat. Check if it's ready for frying by adding a drop of water; if it sizzles, it's time to continue.

3. Adding the paprika: When the oil is hot, add the paprika and stir quickly to release its flavors, being careful not to burn it.

4. Frying the polenta: Carefully place the slices of polenta in the pan without overlapping them. Fry for 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. This step will add a pleasant contrast between the soft texture of the polenta and the crispy crust.

5. Preparing the tomato sauce: In another pan, add a splash of oil and sauté the cleaned and finely chopped head of garlic until golden. Add the tomato paste and the finely chopped fresh tomato, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper, letting the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes. It will become more concentrated and develop a rich flavor.

6. Assembling the dish: Arrange the fried polenta slices on a platter and pour the tomato sauce over them.

Serving suggestions: You can add a few fresh basil or parsley leaves for a colorful look and fresh aroma. Also, for a richer variant, you can add crumbled feta cheese or grated parmesan on top.

Variations: If you want to add a personal touch to the recipe, you can try adding olives or roasted peppers to the tomato sauce, giving it an extra dimension of flavor. You can also adjust the spice level of the sauce, making it spicier or sweeter, depending on your preferences.

This recipe for polenta with tomato sauce is not only easy to prepare but also delicious, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner. Try it and enjoy authentic flavors!