Polenta with Salted Meat

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) polenta 1 cup (200g) polenta
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound (450g) salted meat (such as beef or pork) 1 pound (450g) salted meat (such as beef or pork)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta and salt.
2. 2.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes or until the polenta is thick and creamy.
3. 3.
   While the polenta is cooking, prepare the salted meat. If necessary, soak the salted meat in water for a few hours to remove excess salt.
4. 4.
   In a separate pot, cover the salted meat with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
5. 5.
   Drain the salted meat and slice it into thin strips.
6. 6.
   To serve, spoon the polenta onto plates and top with the sliced salted meat. Season with freshly ground black pepper.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Salted meat — Soaking the salted meat in water before cooking helps to remove excess salt and ensure a balanced flavor in the final dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté some onions and garlic before adding the polenta to the boiling water.
• Experiment with different types of salted meat, such as pancetta or prosciutto, to vary the flavors of the dish.
• Serve the Polenta with Salted Meat alongside a fresh green salad to add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Leftover polenta can be refrigerated and sliced into squares, then pan-fried until crispy for a delicious snack or side dish.
• If you prefer a thicker polenta, increase the amount of polenta and water in the recipe.

Serving advice

Serve the Polenta with Salted Meat hot, allowing the creamy polenta to contrast with the tender salted meat. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the dish, arrange the sliced salted meat in an attractive pattern on top of the polenta. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper for a finishing touch.