Baked Polenta

Oven-baked polenta with sausages and cheese – A reinvented traditional recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

At the heart of our gastronomy, polenta holds a prominent place, symbolizing tradition and comfort. This oven-baked polenta recipe with sausages and cheese is a delicious reinterpretation of this classic dish that will bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. It is a versatile dish that can be served both as an appetizer at a festive meal and as a comforting dinner on chilly days.

The ingredients needed to prepare this delicacy are simple, yet each plays an essential role in achieving a rich and flavorful taste.

Ingredients:
- 200 g cornmeal
- 300 ml water
- salt, to taste
- 2 sausages (preferably smoked or homemade)
- 100 g salty cheese (such as telemea or feta)
- 2 eggs
- 50 g butter (for greasing the tray and frying the sausages)
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream (to add creaminess)

Step by step to perfect polenta:

1. Preparing the polenta:
In a large pot, bring 300 ml of water with a pinch of salt to a boil. When the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and gradually add 200 g of cornmeal, stirring continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon. Continue stirring for 5-7 minutes until the polenta becomes firm but not overly hard. A trick: if you want creamier polenta, you can add a little milk instead of water or use half water and half milk.

2. Preparing the sausages:
Meanwhile, cut the sausages into cubes of about 1 cm. In a large skillet, add 50 g of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the sausages and fry them for 5-7 minutes until they become golden and crispy. This step will intensify the flavor of the sausages and add a smoky note to the dish.

3. Assembling the dish:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking tray with butter, then add a first layer of polenta, spreading it evenly on the bottom of the tray. Sprinkle the fried sausages on top, then add the crumbled or cubed salty cheese. This layer of cheese will add an intense flavor and a pleasant texture. Cover with another layer of polenta, making sure everything is well uniformed.

4. Preparing the egg with sour cream:
In a bowl, beat the 2 eggs together with the sour cream, mixing well. Pour this mixture over the polenta in the tray, ensuring it distributes evenly. This step will help form a delicious and golden crust on top.

5. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the egg is set and a nicely colored crust has formed on top. You can check the consistency by gently shaking the tray; if the egg is firm, it is ready.

6. Serving:
Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the oven-baked polenta warm, as an appetizer or main course, alongside a fresh green salad or pickles, which will add a note of freshness to the dish.

Practical tips:
- About ingredients: Choose quality sausages, preferably made from fresh meat, for better flavor. You can experiment with different types of sausages, such as beef or pork sausages.
- Variations: You can also add slices of mushrooms or vegetables (such as bell peppers or zucchini) between the layers of polenta for a vegetarian option.
- Tricks: If you love cheese, you can add a portion of melted cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an amazing effect.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What can I use instead of salty cheese? You can use mozzarella cheese for a creamier option, or goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
2. How long can the oven-baked polenta be stored? It can be kept for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, and to reheat it, add a little milk or water and warm it in the oven or microwave.
3. What drinks pair well with this dish? A craft beer or a dry white wine would perfectly complement the rich flavors of the polenta.

Nutritional benefits:
Polenta is a good source of carbohydrates, and the sausages provide protein and healthy fats. This recipe can also be adapted to be healthier by reducing the amount of butter and sour cream.

This oven-baked polenta is not just a simple recipe but a story, a memory of family meals where each ingredient plays an important role. So, I wish you good luck in preparing this recipe and enjoy your meal!