Grilled Polenta with Charred Red Pepper Relish
This Grilled Polenta with Charred Red Pepper Relish is a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for any occasion. The creamy polenta, infused with the sweetness of fresh corn and the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese, creates a satisfying base. The charred red peppers, enhanced with fresh basil, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar, add a burst of flavor and a vibrant color contrast. This dish can be served as a hearty side or a light meal, making it versatile enough for summer barbecues or cozy dinners alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
salt
3/4 (teaspoon)
cornmeal
1 (cup)
fresh corn kernels
1/2 (cup)
parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 (cup)
sweet red peppers
3 (whole)
extra-virgin olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
white wine vinegar
1 (teaspoon)
salt
1 (pinch)
fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
8 (leaves)
Instructions
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1. Start by preparing the roasted red peppers: Preheat your broiler and place the red peppers on a baking sheet. Broil the peppers, turning them frequently, until their skins are charred and blistered, about 15 minutes. Once charred, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the peppers steam for about 10 minutes to loosen the skins.
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2. After the steam period, peel off the blackened skins, core and seed the peppers, then slice them thinly. In a small bowl, combine the sliced peppers with olive oil, white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Add the basil leaves and toss gently to coat. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
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3. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
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4. Stir in the fresh corn and continue to cook the polenta until the corn is tender-crisp and the polenta is thick enough to mound on a spoon, around 5-10 additional minutes. Remove from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
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5. Spread the polenta mixture into a greased 13x9-inch glass baking dish, smoothing the top. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until set.
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6. Once the polenta is firm, cut it into 12 squares. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the polenta squares on the grill. Close the lid and grill for about 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until grill marks form and they are heated through.
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7. Serve the grilled polenta squares topped with the roasted red pepper relish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Polenta with Charred Red Pepper Relish?
It is a flavorful dish featuring creamy cornmeal polenta infused with fresh corn and Parmesan cheese, topped with a relish of broiled red peppers, basil, and olive oil.
How many sweet red peppers are needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 whole sweet red peppers to create the charred relish.
How do I char the red peppers?
Place the red peppers on a baking sheet under a preheated broiler and turn them frequently until the skins are charred and blistered.
How long should the red peppers be broiled?
The peppers should be broiled for approximately 15 minutes.
What should I do with the peppers immediately after broiling?
Transfer the charred peppers to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10 minutes.
Why is it necessary to steam the charred peppers?
Steaming the peppers helps loosen the blackened skins, making them much easier to peel.
How do I prepare the relish after the peppers have steamed?
Peel off the skins, core and seed the peppers, slice them thinly, and then combine them with olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and basil.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the pepper relish?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar.
How much water is required to cook the polenta?
You will need 4 cups of water brought to a boil for the polenta base.
How much salt is added to the polenta cooking water?
Add 3/4 teaspoon of salt to the water before adding the cornmeal.
How should the cornmeal be added to the boiling water?
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the cornmeal to prevent lumps from forming.
How long does the polenta cook during the initial thickening phase?
The cornmeal mixture should be stirred constantly over low heat for about 10 minutes.
When are the fresh corn kernels added to the recipe?
Stir in 1/2 cup of fresh corn kernels after the polenta has cooked and thickened for the first 10 minutes.
How long should the polenta cook after adding the corn?
Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the corn is tender-crisp and the polenta can mound on a spoon.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Fold in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese after removing the polenta from the heat.
What size baking dish should be used to set the polenta?
The polenta should be spread into a greased 13x9-inch glass baking dish.
How long does the polenta need to cool?
Allow the polenta to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes until it is firm and set.
How many squares should the polenta be cut into?
Once the polenta is firm, cut it into 12 even squares.
What is the recommended grill temperature for the polenta?
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
How should the grill be prepared for the polenta squares?
Lightly oil the grill grates before placing the polenta squares on them to prevent sticking.
How long does it take to grill the polenta squares?
Grill the squares for about 8 minutes in total with the lid closed.
Do I need to turn the polenta while grilling?
Yes, turn the squares halfway through the 8-minute grilling time to ensure they are heated through and have visible grill marks.
Is this Grilled Polenta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a vegetarian meal.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a hearty side dish or a light meal.
What herb is used to season the red pepper relish?
The recipe uses 8 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, to flavor the relish.
How much olive oil is used in the relish?
The pepper relish requires 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil.
What is the total amount of cornmeal used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of cornmeal.
How is the dish finally assembled for serving?
The grilled polenta squares are served with the roasted red pepper relish topped on each square.
What ingredient provides the nutty richness in the polenta?
The grated Parmesan cheese folded into the mixture provides a nutty richness.
How much salt is used to season the pepper relish?
The relish is seasoned with a single pinch of salt.