Minced meat in a polenta nest

Minced meat in polenta nest

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

At the heart of culinary tradition, polenta is considered a symbol of comfort and family warmth. This recipe for minced meat in a polenta nest transforms a simple ingredient like polenta into a savory dish that will delight both the taste buds and the eyes. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for family meals or to impress guests. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

Ingredients

- 200 g cornmeal
- 400 ml milk (you can also use plant-based milk for a lactose-free version)
- 100 g cheese (preferably aged cheese with an intense flavor)
- 500 g minced beef (you can also use pork or a mix)
- 200 g mushrooms (champignon mushrooms are the most accessible, but you can experiment with wild mushrooms)
- 2 tomatoes (fresh, for added acidity)
- 1 onion (preferably a white onion for a sweeter taste)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste (an excellent choice to enhance flavors)
- A little olive oil
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- Thyme (fresh or dried)
- Butter (for greasing the dish)

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Polenta

1. Boil the milk: In a pot, add the milk and a little salt. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point.
2. Add the cornmeal: Once the milk starts to boil, reduce the heat and gradually add the cornmeal, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon. This is key to avoiding lumps. Continue stirring until the polenta becomes thick and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate the cheese: Once the polenta is ready, remove the pot from the heat and add the grated cheese, stirring well until it melts and is well combined.

Step 2: Preparing the Meat Filling

4. Sauté the vegetables: In a frying pan, add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
5. Add the meat: Place the minced meat in the pan and let it brown. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
6. Incorporate the mushrooms and tomatoes: Dice the tomatoes and add them to the meat along with the chopped mushrooms. Add the pepper paste and let everything cook over medium heat until the liquid reduces and the mixture becomes denser.
7. Season: Finally, add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Mix well.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking

8. Prepare the dish: Grease a baking dish with butter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
9. Form the nest: Take the warm polenta and place it in the baking dish, pressing it well on the bottom and sides to form a consistent nest.
10. Fill with meat: Pour the meat mixture into the center of the polenta nest, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
11. Bake in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the surface becomes lightly golden.

Step 4: Serving

12. Serve warm: Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can sprinkle a little fresh thyme on top for a fresh look and intense aroma.
13. Serving suggestion: This dish is delicious served alongside a fresh green salad or pickles, which add a note of acidity and crunch.

Practical Tips

- For even tastier polenta: You can add to the milk, besides salt, a cube of butter or a splash of sour cream for a richer taste.
- Recipe variations: You can experiment with different types of meat (chicken, pork, or even vegetarian minced meat), and for added flavor, add spices like paprika or oregano.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, you can keep this dish in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven to regain its crispy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is an excellent source of protein due to the beef, while the polenta provides complex carbohydrates, offering long-lasting energy. Additionally, mushrooms and tomatoes provide a considerable amount of essential vitamins and minerals.

Calories

A serving of this dish contains approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the type of meat and the amount of cheese used. It is a hearty meal, perfect for a family dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole cornmeal? Yes, whole cornmeal offers a richer taste and better texture, although the cooking time may be slightly longer.
- Can this dish be frozen? It is recommended not to freeze the polenta, but the meat filling can be frozen and reheated later.

This recipe for minced meat in a polenta nest is not just a hearty meal, but also a celebration of taste and tradition. Try it and let us know how you liked it! Cooking is an art, and you are the artist. Enjoy every moment in the kitchen!