Basil Polenta (boiled cornmeal) with Ratatouille
(from Lucianolinda’s recipe box)
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Categories: Casseroles- One Dish Meals- Stir Fry- Pot Pies
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp. salt, divided
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup minced fresh basil
- 1 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 1 medium green pepper, julienned
- k5 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup pitted Greek olives, sliced
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- fresh basil leaves
Directions
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In a large heavy saucepan, bring water and 1/2 tsp. salt to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil; slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon for 15 to 20 minutes or until polenta is thickened and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan. Stir in basil.
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Spread into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, in a large skillet. saute the eggplant, onion and green pepper in 2 Tbsp. oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic, cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, olives, oregano, pepper and remaining salt. Cook and stir over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
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Cut polenta into four squares. In another large skillet, cook polenta in remaining oil in batches for 7 to 8 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve with ratatouille; garnish with basil.