Cheddar Polenta with Braising Greens, Mushrooms and Bacon
Serves 4
1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
4 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/4 lb. bacon or pancetta, sliced
4 cups water
1-7/8 tbsp. salt
1 cup coarse cornmeal
3/4 cups grated white Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup butter
approx 1/2 bag frozen braising greens (qty to your liking)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese
Bring water and salt to boil. Slowly whisk in polenta and reduce heat. Cook , stirring often, until polenta thickens about 25 minutes.Stir in the grated Cheddar and the butter. Cover and set aside.
In a large pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic and bacon until lightly browned.Add the mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes.Add the thawed braising greens. Stir together, turn heat to down to low, cover, and heat through.
Serve the greens over the polenta, garnished with ground pepper and olive oil.