Pan-Fried Polenta with Mushrooms

By garciamoss

Pan-frying squares of leftover polenta is a delicious way to transform the classic, comforting side dish. This version, topped with a sauté of mixed mushrooms, can be a first course or hearty side for roast chicken or steak.

Ingredients

• 3 cups hot Shortcut Polenta
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 4 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1 lb. mixed fresh mushrooms, trimmed and sliced 1/4-inch-thick
• Kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 oz. (1/4 cup) shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano

Preparation

Step 1

Spread the polenta 1/2-inch thick in a 8x8-inch baking dish. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Heat the oil and 1 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams. Add the mushrooms, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to brown, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat, stir in 1 Tbs. of the remaining butter and the parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Meanwhile, invert the polenta onto a cutting board and cut into six 2 x 3-inch rectangles. Melt the remaining 2 Tbs. butter in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Arrange the polenta in the skillet in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until golden brown on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until golden, about 4 minutes more.

Top the polenta with the mushrooms, garnish with the cheese, and serve.