Be quiet and swallow

Shut up and swallow - a simple yet incredibly delicious recipe that will leave you speechless! A harmonious combination of creamy polenta and a savory filling of meat and cheese, this recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner or to impress your guests. Let's embark on this cooking adventure together, step by step, to achieve a truly exceptional result!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe history

Polenta is a traditional dish with a long history, often considered a symbol of comfort and family meals. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple mixture of cornmeal and water into a versatile base for various delicious fillings. In this recipe, we combine polenta with smoked meat and cheese, creating a dish that blends textures and flavors in an irresistible way.

Ingredients

For the polenta:
- 500 ml water
- 500 ml milk
- 250 g cornmeal
- 50 g butter
- 50 g parmesan (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 350 g sausages and smoked meat (homemade for an authentic taste)
- 200 g telemea cheese
- 3 eggs
- 150 g cheese

Preparing the polenta

1. Boiling the liquids: In a large pot, add 500 ml of water and 500 ml of milk. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the liquids to a boil.

2. Adding salt: Once the liquid starts boiling, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step is essential for giving flavor to the polenta.

3. Incorporating the cornmeal: Gradually add 250 g of cornmeal, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to avoid lumps. It is important to stir well to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

4. Cooking the polenta: Continue stirring the polenta for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pot. At the end, add 50 g of butter and, if desired, 50 g of parmesan, mixing well to incorporate.

5. Cooling: Once the polenta is ready, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool slightly, but not completely. This will allow the polenta to firm up a bit, making it easier to assemble the dish.

Preparing the filling

1. Frying the meat: In a non-stick skillet, add the sausages and smoked meat cut into thin slices and pieces, respectively. Do not add oil, as the smoked meat will release enough fat. Fry the mixture for 7-8 minutes until it is browned and appetizing.

2. Preparing the cheeses: While the meat is frying, grate 200 g of telemea cheese and 150 g of cheese. These cheeses will add extra flavor to the dish.

Assembling the dish

1. The polenta layer: In a baking dish, place half of the prepared polenta. Use a spatula to level it evenly.

2. Adding the cheese: Evenly sprinkle the grated telemea cheese over the first layer of polenta.

3. The meat layer: Place the fried meat mixture on top of the cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

4. Covering with polenta: Add the remaining polenta, leveling again with the spatula to achieve a smooth surface.

5. Finishing with cheese: Grate cheese on top and, using a ladle, make three indentations where you will crack an egg. These indentations will add an interesting texture and delicious flavor.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are well cooked, and the cheese is melted and starting to brown.

Serving

Once the dish is ready, let it cool slightly before cutting it into portions. You can serve it with a fresh salad or pickles, which will add a pleasant contrast of flavors. A bottle of dry white wine would also be an excellent choice to accompany this dish.

Practical tips

- Ingredient variations: If you want to experiment, you can add roasted vegetables such as peppers or onions to the meat mixture for extra flavor and color. You can also replace telemea with goat cheese for a more intense taste.

- Polenta with more texture: If you prefer a polenta with a richer texture, you can use a mix of fine cornmeal with coarse cornmeal, which will add a rustic touch to the dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought polenta? Yes, you can use pre-prepared polenta, but the taste and textures will not be as rich as those obtained by making polenta from scratch.

2. How many variations can I make with this dish? Infinite! You can experiment with different types of meat, cheese, and even vegetables, adapting the recipe to your preferences.

3. How can I store leftovers? The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the meat and eggs, while the cheese provides calcium and essential vitamins. Polenta, being a source of complex carbohydrates, will give you the energy you need for the entire day. Additionally, the butter and cheese content adds healthy fats, which are important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

I invite you to try this delicious Shut up and swallow recipe, and each bite will take you on a journey of flavors! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 350 g of homemade sausage and smoked meat, 200 g of telemea cheese, 3 eggs, 150 g of cheese. For polenta: 500 ml of water, 500 ml of milk, 250 g of cornmeal, 50 g of butter, 50 g of parmesan (optional), 1/2 tsp of salt.