Best 7 Polenta With Bacon And Sage Recipes

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Polenta with bacon and sage is a classic Northern Italian dish that is simple to make and packed with flavor. The creamy polenta is made from cornmeal that is cooked in milk or broth until it is thick and smooth. The bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor, while the sage adds a touch of earthiness. This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish, and it is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY POLENTA WITH BACON AND SAGE



Creamy Polenta with Bacon and Sage image

Water or stock can be substituted for any or all of the milk. The more milk you use, the creamier the polenta will be.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Pork Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 ounces thickly sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves, plus more whole leaves for garnish
4 cups milk
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons quick-cooking polenta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, or more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or more to taste
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (optional)

Steps:

  • Place a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the bacon, and cook until crisp and golden, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon from saucepan; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Set aside.
  • Add chopped sage to saucepan, and cook in the bacon fat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add milk, and bring to a boil.
  • Add the polenta in a steady stream, whisking constantly until it is smooth and creamy, about 6 minutes. Whisk in the butter, and season with the salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl, and crumble the reserved bacon on top. Heat the olive oil, in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the whole sage leaves, and fry until crisp, about 30 seconds. Remove from the skillet, and scatter over the polenta.

POLENTA WITH BACON AND SAGE



Polenta with Bacon and Sage image

Categories     Side     Thanksgiving     Parmesan     Bacon     Cornmeal     Corn     Fall     Sage     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup coarsely chopped bacon (about 7 slices)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 10-ounce package frozen corn kernels, thawed
5 1/2 cups water
1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)*
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 1/2 teaspoons fat from skillet. Add sage; sauté 1 minute. Add corn; sauté 1 minute. Add 5 1/2 cups water; increase heat to medium-high and bring to boil. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to low; cook until polenta begins to thicken, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. Stir in cream, cheese, and bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
  • Available at Italian markets, natural foods stores, and some supermarkets. If unavailable, substitute an equal amount of regular yellow cornmeal, and cook mixture for about half the amount of time.

CREAMY POLENTA WITH CRISPY BACON AND CHARD



Creamy Polenta with Crispy Bacon and Chard image

Provided by Molly Yeh

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup polenta
Kosher salt
4 strips bacon
1 shallot, thinly sliced into rings
1 bunch rainbow chard, stems and leaves cut into 1-inch pieces
Few shakes of hot sauce, such as Crystal, optional
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Add the milk and heavy cream to a medium saucepan and bring to a low boil, stirring constantly so the milk doesn't scorch. Whisk in the polenta, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in a big pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring frequently, until the polenta is tender, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add the bacon to a medium pan. Turn the heat to medium high and cook, flipping once, until the bacon is crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Add the shallot to the pan and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the chard and a big pinch of salt and cook until wilted but still crisp-tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in a shake of hot sauce if desired. Chop the bacon, add it to the greens and stir to combine. Remove from the heat.
  • Add a big pinch of black pepper to the polenta and stir. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. Remove the polenta from the heat and stir in the butter. Transfer to a serving plate and top with the greens in the center.

CREAMY POLENTA WITH BACON AND CRANBERRIES



Creamy Polenta with Bacon and Cranberries image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1 1/4 cups polenta or yellow cornmeal
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
3/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Freshly ground black pepper
10 to 12 strips thick-cut applewood smoked bacon (about 1 pound)
1 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature (about 8 ounces)
3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
Pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Steps:

  • For the polenta: Bring the broth, 2 1/2 cups water and the salt to a boil in a heavy 5-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the polenta. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the Parmesan, milk and butter. Stir until the butter and Parmesan have melted. Season with salt and pepper.
  • For assembly: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until brown and crispy, 15 to 17 minutes. Drain on paper towels. When the bacon is cool enough to handle, chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
  • Whisk together the mascarpone cheese, maple syrup and salt in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Transfer the polenta to 4 bowls or serving plates. Divide the bacon pieces and spoon on top. Dollop each serving with the mascarpone mixture and sprinkle with the dried cranberries.

SAGE POLENTA



Sage Polenta image

Bits of sweet red pepper peek through these pretty polenta squares that have a slightly sweet corn flavor and are generously seasoned with sage. Serve this traditional ethnic side dish with Italian entrees...or even Southwestern fare, suggests our Test Kitchen staff.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon butter
3 cups water
1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh sage
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons canola oil

Steps:

  • In a large nonstick saucepan, saute the onion, red pepper and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in water and milk; bring to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in cornmeal, whisking constantly to prevent lumping. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until cornmeal is tender. , Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sage, salt and pepper. Spread into a 13-in. x 9-in. pan coated with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes or until firm., Cut into 12 squares. In a large nonstick skillet, cook polenta in batches in oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 143 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 386mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CREAMY POLENTA WITH BACON AND SAGE



Creamy Polenta with Bacon and Sage image

Categories     Fry     Bacon     Sage     Boil

Yield serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 ounces thickly sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves, plus more whole leaves for garnish
4 cups milk
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons quick-cooking polenta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, or more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or more to taste
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (optional)

Steps:

  • Place a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the bacon, and cook until crisp and golden, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the saucepan; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Set aside.
  • Add the chopped sage to the saucepan, and cook in the bacon fat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the milk, and bring to a boil.
  • Add the polenta in a steady stream, whisking constantly until it is smooth and creamy, about 6 minutes. Whisk in the butter, and season with the salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl, and crumble the reserved bacon on top. Heat the olive oil in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add the whole sage leaves, and fry until crisp, about 30 seconds. Remove from the skillet; scatter over the polenta. Serve immediately.

CREAMY POLENTA WITH ROASTED CORN AND FRESH SAGE



Creamy Polenta with Roasted Corn and Fresh Sage image

This side dish is great served hot and topped with Parmesan cheese, or chilled, cut into shapes and then griddled.

Provided by JOE ZARANSKI

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Polenta Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 ears corn
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
½ yellow onion, diced
3 cups water
2 cups milk
1 cup cornmeal
salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Grill corn in the husks, or roast in the oven; cut kernels from cob.
  • In a heavy 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Stir in garlic and onions; reduce heat to low and cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in water and milk and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Slowly stir in cornmeal, whisking thoroughly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and burning. Season with salt and pepper; simmer 15 minutes more.
  • When mixture is thick and the cornmeal is tender, stir in corn, sage and Parmesan cheese. Transfer to a large bowl to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 377.6 calories, Carbohydrate 46.4 g, Cholesterol 18.6 mg, Fat 16.7 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 12.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 219.1 mg, Sugar 9.1 g

Tips:

  • To make creamy polenta, use a ratio of 1 part polenta to 4 parts liquid (water or broth). For a firmer polenta, use a ratio of 1 part polenta to 3 parts liquid.
  • Bring the liquid to a boil before adding the polenta. This will help prevent the polenta from clumping.
  • Whisk the polenta constantly while cooking. This will help prevent it from sticking to the pot and burning.
  • Cook the polenta for at least 20 minutes, or until it is tender and creamy. Polenta can also be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
  • Season the polenta with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Parmesan cheese.
  • Polenta can be served hot or cold. It can be used as a side dish, a main course, or a dessert.
  • Polenta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Try using it in soups, stews, casseroles, and even cakes.

Conclusion:

Polenta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With its creamy texture and mild flavor, polenta is a perfect canvas for a variety of toppings and sauces. Whether you are looking for a simple side dish or a hearty main course, polenta is a great option. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give polenta a try. You won't be disappointed!

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