Cozy Fall Dish: Olive Oil Polenta

Crispy Olive Oil Polenta with Rosemary Maple Glaze

Today, I’m sharing a cozy dish that always reminds me of crisp fall evenings. This recipe combines the comforting warmth of polenta with the earthy richness of olives and the sweetness of a rosemary maple glaze. It’s the perfect dish for when you want something hearty yet sophisticated, with a touch of unexpected flavor.

Ingredients:

175g fine cornmeal
50ml high-quality olive oil
75g green olives, diced
50g all-purpose flour
50ml maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/2 tsp sea salt

Kitchen Tools:

saucepan
whisk
baking dish
skillet

Preparation:

Start by bringing 750ml of water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the polenta is thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and stir in the diced green olives.

While the polenta sets, prepare the maple rosemary glaze. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour in the maple syrup while continuing to whisk, then add the fresh rosemary and sea salt. Cook for another minute until the glaze thickens and becomes fragrant.

Pour the cooked polenta into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Drizzle the maple rosemary glaze over the top, ensuring each bite will be full of flavor. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.

Serving:

Serve the crispy olive oil polenta with rosemary maple glaze hot, allowing the warmth and aromas to envelop you. The combination of flavors and textures will transport you to a rustic Italian villa on a chilly autumn evening. Enjoy with a glass of red wine or a hearty soup for a complete meal.

Tips:

Add a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans to the polenta for an extra crunch and nuttiness that complements the flavors in a surprising way.

Approximate total weight: 425g
Approximate number of servings: 4
Average weight per serving: 106g
Approximate calorie count per serving: 250 calories

I hope you feel inspired to recreate this dish at home and make it your own with any personal touches or variations. Enjoy the process of cooking and savoring this unique creation with your loved ones. Happy cooking!