Corsican Montasù with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) cornmeal 1 cup (240ml) cornmeal
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chestnut flour 1/2 cup (120ml) chestnut flour
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120g) grated Corsican cheese (such as Brocciu or Tomme de Corse) 1/2 cup (120g) grated Corsican cheese (such as Brocciu or Tomme de Corse)
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground lamb 1/2 pound (225g) ground lamb
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, chestnut flour, and salt. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
2. 2.
   Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in half of the grated cheese until well combined.
3. 3.
   In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground lamb and pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
5. 5.
   Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease individual ramekins with olive oil.
7. 7.
   To assemble the Montasù, spoon a layer of the cornmeal mixture into each ramekin, followed by a layer of the meat filling. Repeat the layers until the ramekins are filled, finishing with a layer of the cornmeal mixture on top.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of each ramekin.
9. 9.
   Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the Montasù cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chestnut flour — Chestnut flour adds a unique flavor to the dish. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour mixed with a tablespoon of ground almonds for a similar nutty taste.
• Corsican cheese — If you can't find Corsican cheese, you can use a combination of ricotta and Parmesan cheese as a substitute. It won't be exactly the same, but it will still provide a creamy and flavorful element to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the meat filling.
• Serve the Montasù with a side of mixed greens dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat filling with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delicious alternative.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors of the Montasù according to your preferences.
• Leftover Montasù can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Corsican Montasù hot, straight from the oven, as the cheese will be gooey and irresistible. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the Montasù, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. You can also serve it in individual ramekins placed on a wooden board for a rustic and charming presentation.