Ingredients:
- 1 cup of instant polenta
- 4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Optional: herbs and spices for flavoring
Step 1: Prepare the Polenta
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Slowly pour in the instant polenta while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add salt and any optional herbs or spices for extra flavor. Keep stirring until the polenta thickens and starts to come away from the sides of the pan. This should take around 5 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the Polenta Baskets
Take a muffin tin and lightly grease each cup with olive oil. Carefully spoon the prepared polenta into the greased cups, pressing it against the sides and creating a hollow center to form the basket shape. Smooth the top surface with a spatula and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Bake the Polenta Baskets
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the muffin tin with the polenta baskets in the oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the edges become golden and crispy.
Step 4: Remove and Fill the Baskets
Once the polenta baskets are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Gently loosen the edges with a butter knife and carefully lift each basket out of the muffin tin.
You can now fill the polenta baskets with your desired toppings or fillings. Some popular options include sautéed vegetables, roasted meats, creamy cheeses, or even a fresh salad. Let your creativity shine!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange the filled polenta baskets on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and aesthetics. Serve them immediately while they are still warm and enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones!
Polenta baskets offer a versatile and tasty way to present your favorite ingredients. From appetizers to main courses or even desserts, these edible containers add a unique touch to any meal. So go ahead, experiment with flavors, and have fun creating your own variations of polenta baskets!