Friday, September 6, 2013

creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes

creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes
Honestly I am not sure this constitutes as traditional polenta- consider this the more rustic version of creamy polenta's cousin. Ever since make the amazing polenta fries in VegNews I have been hooked on the idea of making a big bowl of polenta topped with wild mushrooms- well, here it is I finally got around to making it.
Before my magical polenta fries experience I had only ever had polenta twice- layered in a polenta lasagna  and once from the pre made polenta tubes,  it was so memorable I can't even remember what I made with that tube of polenta.


creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes
Tell me those are not some of the most beautiful organic wild mushrooms you ever laid eyes on. I am so grateful to have an amazing Wild Mushroom Company in my backyard, before meeting up with NH Mushroom Company the most exotic mushroom to grace my table was the shitake. This past year I have had the opportunity to explore so many different varieties - what you see here are Chanterelle, Chicken of the Woods & King Oyster bits. The Chicken of the woods was interesting, it definitely has a very hearty texture and feel - it was the perfect addition to the more delicate chanterelle & king oyster bits.

creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes
creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes
Although Justin is a fan of mushrooms, I just knew this dish would be completely out of his comfort zone. I ended up making this for lunch on a day he was working late into the afternoon. I had saved the other bowl for dinner that night, when I set it out he gave one look and  said "that's okay Hun there is way too much going on in there for me"- at times Justin can be a man of very simple tastes, other times he surprises me and ventures out of his food comfort zone - this was a little too out there;  if you ask him, he is not picky at all.

creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes
creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes
This time of year I find myself seeking comfort foods more often than not, I am sure it has a lot to do with the changing of the seasons in addition to the days becoming shorter and cooler. It can be a hard transition, going from bright beautiful mornings & clear warm nights to waking up in the dark and leaving for home in the dark. On the weekends all I want to do is cozy up on the couch with a steaming bowl of anything warm and equally as cozy- a sure sign for me that fall is on its way.

creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes

creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes
Another sign fall is creeping in - the undeniable slow down of the garden. Don't get me wrong, we still have loads of veggies thriving, however summer fruits and veggies  so abundant in mid July are slowly wilting away. I have a few zucchini and summer squash to pick, definitely the last ones of the summer. Over the next few weekends I will begin prepping the beds for fall and the upcoming winter season. We are still lucky to have beautiful tomatoes ripening on a daily basis, the Swiss chard and rugged Jack kale are perfectly happy and have been since the start of the season. Soon enough I will be drying herbs for winter storage and canning batches of salsa and tomato sauce that will last us well into the winter season- a nice reminder of summer to get us through the coldest months of the year.
creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes
Fall comfort in a bowl - oh and in less than 20 minutes from start to finish!
creamy polenta // balsamic wild mushrooms + tomatoes
Creamy Polenta ~ Balsamic Wild Mushrooms & Tomatoes
serves 2

you will need:

1/4 cup of chopped red onion
 1 tsp olive oil
5 cups assorted wild mushrooms 
~ I used chicken of the woods, chanterelle, king oyster pieces ~
a hearty splash or two of good balsamic
salt
8 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
3 sprigs fresh thyme, woody stems removed

 2 cups water
 3/4 cup polenta
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegan butter
1/2 cup non dairy milk

assembly: 

In a large skillet over medium high heat add olive oil and red onion to the pan- saute for about 3 minutes until onions are softened. Add mushrooms and saute for an additional 5 minutes, sprinkle with salt and season with a few good splashes of balsamic & thyme, continue cooking on medium high for 3-5 minutes until balsamic reduces and mushrooms are cooked through. Add cherry tomatoes to the mushrooms, stir and remove pan from heat and set aside.

In a medium sauce pan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, slowly whisk in polenta and reduce heat to low- add nutritional yeast and salt, continue stirring the mixture over low heat for 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 tablespoon vegan butter & 1/2 cup non dairy milk, stir well.

Divide the polenta between two bowls topping each bowl with the mushrooms and tomatoes- garnish with additional fresh thyme.

Serve and enjoy immediately.


Yum

35 comments:

  1. i LOVE polenta but haven't eaten it all summer. thank you for reminding me to bring it back! i love the pairing of polenta and mushrooms. this bowl looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This dish looks beautiful Heather ;)
    I am wondering if I ever had polenta... ;) maybe not. I'll check if it's gluten free.
    xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ella! I believe it is gluten free, it is simply corn :)

      Delete
  3. I was thinking a lot regarding this topic, so thanks for bringing it up here. You certainly have a good writing style i like, so will be subscribing to your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is such a pretty meal. I'd feel like a total princess eating this! It's so colourful!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautiful meal, polenta is so versatile with its flavour combos :D

    Cheers
    CCU

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It so easy, there are so many ways you can prepare it after it is made- I love it!

      Delete
  6. Fantastic recipe! This is the perfect bowl to satisfy those fall comfort cravings. Thanks for sharing...

    -Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  7. Those mushrooms look so intricate and beautiful. and this sounds like a good bowlof comfort food:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I don't know if I've ever made a bowl of creamy polenta this way - I usually end up letting it firm up in the fridge and then baking it for a crispier version (like the fries you mentioned). I need to try this method though, especially with a big helping of warm balsamic veggies on top!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Love crispy polenta too! This was a nice alternative with the hearty/meaty mushrooms :)

      Delete
  9. Yum! I was just in the forest in Norway picking chantarelle and some other goodies, and now they're just waiting for me to cook something with them.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yum! I was just in the forest in Norway picking chantarelle and some other goodies, and now they're just waiting for me to cook something with them.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it fantastic website, where did u come up with the records on this posting? i am thrilled i discovered it though, unwell be checking returned soon to discover what additional posts you include.
    If you want to learn more about Best Hand Blender click here

    ReplyDelete


  12. Look for some stylish and trending fashion outfits with amazing discounts? So Check our latest collection of Yellowstone Season 4 Jackets

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology.
    Kursi Tamu Mewah

    ReplyDelete
  14. Group Cards is a site for people to send virtual Group eCards like Online Leaving Cards to each other. The site allows you to choose from over 5000 free, professionally designed eCards and add photos, music and unlimited signs with just a few clicks. You can even sign the card with your name and have it show up as if multiple coworkers signed it! Please enjoy our articles on Group Cards.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice disg. Thanks! keep rocking.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice dish. Thanks! keep rocking.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Fluxus Roblox Executor is compatible with every Roblox game. After conducting extensive testing, we discovered that it outperforms other internet apps as a script executor. Best part is that it is accessible for computers and cell phones too. You can continue reading the content of this page if you wish to download it.

    ReplyDelete
  18. For most vegetables, it is best to remove any flowers still visible inside for hire wikipedia editors . Flowers waste so much energy that the plants have to put all their energy into the roots, and once they are planted in a permanent place producing leaves.

    ReplyDelete
  19. WB Primary School Parents can use the Syllabus to Understand the Concepts and Prepare their Children for the Exam, Accordingly, The SCERT West Bengal 1st Syllabus 2024 All Subject Chapter Wise Students Prepare for the Upcoming 1st Exam, it is quite Essential that they have the Complete Knowledge of the West Bengal Class Latest Syllabus 2024 of All Relevant Subjects, Knowing the Details of Prescribed WB 1st Class Syllabus 2024 Topics and the weight age Allotted to Them Makes it easy to plan your Studies Meticulously so that you can make Effective Preparations for your Exam and obtain desired marks West Bengal Board Primary Students should First Analyse the Syllabus of All Subject to know the Topics which need to be covered in that particular chapter

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by - your comments make my day!