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Polenta Cake with Melting Heart

17/11/2023

I can describe how to prepare a delicious polenta cake with a melting heart, a dish that blends Italian culinary tradition with a touch of creativity. This dish can be an excellent choice for a surprising appetizer or a richly flavored second course.

Ingredients

  • 250 g of instant polenta
  • 1 L of water
  • Salt, to taste
  • 50 g of butter
  • 100 g of Fontina cheese or another soft, stringy cheese, cut into cubes
  • Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • Grated cheese (for example, Parmesan), to taste

Preparation

  1. In a large saucepan, bring a liter of salted water to a boil. Slowly pour in the polenta, stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
  2. Lower the heat and continue to cook the polenta according to the instructions on the package, usually about 5-7 minutes for instant polenta, until it becomes thick and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan.
  3. Remove the polenta from the heat and incorporate the butter, mixing until it has completely melted.
  4. Take individual ovenproof molds and lightly grease them with butter or olive oil. Pour a first layer of polenta into the mold, then place a cube of Fontina cheese in the center.
  5. Cover the cheese with another layer of polenta, making sure to close the edges around the cheese well.
  6. Let the cakes cool for a few minutes, then carefully overturn them onto a serving plate.
  7. You are now ready to cook your cakes. You can opt for two methods: a. In the oven: Preheat the oven to 200 °C and bake the cakes for about 10-15 minutes, or until the surface becomes slightly golden. b. In a pan: Heat a non-stick pan and cook the cakes on both sides until they are well browned and the cheese heart becomes stringy.
  8. Serve the polenta cakes immediately with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and grated cheese on top if desired.

The polenta cake with a melting heart is a dish that can be customized to your liking, for example by adding chopped rosemary or spices to enhance its flavor. The combination of polenta and melting cheese is a classic of Italian cuisine, capable of warming the heart with every bite.

Polenta Cake with Melting Heart