Polenta Sandwich with Salmon and Crescenza

The polenta sandwich with salmon and crescenza is a creative dish that merges the tradition of Italian polenta with more modern and international flavors. Here is the recipe to prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients

• Instant polenta, as needed
• Water, as indicated on the polenta package
• Salt, to taste
• Crescenza cheese, 200g
• Smoked salmon, 150g
• Chives, for garnishing
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil, as needed

Preparation

1. Prepare the polenta following the instructions on the package; usually by bringing salted water to a boil, pouring the polenta in a thin stream, and stirring continuously to avoid lumps formation.
2. Once ready, pour the polenta onto a work surface or tray previously oiled, spreading it to a thickness of about 1 centimeter.
3. Allow the polenta to cool completely, so that it sets.
4. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of polenta to use as the sandwich base.
5. Cut the crescenza into thin slices or spread it, depending on the cheese’s consistency.
6. On half of the polenta circles, place a slice of smoked salmon and above it a slice of crescenza.
7. Cover with another circle of polenta and, if you like, quickly heat them in a non-stick pan or in the oven just until the cheese starts to melt.
8. Garnish with chopped chives and, if desired, a sprinkle of fresh black pepper.
9. Serve immediately, perhaps accompanied by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Curiosity

Polenta is a very versatile dish that finds its origins in the popular kitchens of Northern Italy. Initially considered food for the less affluent classes, today polenta is widely appreciated for its simplicity and for the ability to pair perfectly with a variety of ingredients, as in this case with salmon and crescenza, creating a delightful contrast between the rusticity of polenta and the refinement of smoked salmon.