Shellfish-Tomato Stew on Soft-Cooked Polenta

By á-9182

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup instant polenta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 1 pound cleaned small squid—bodies cut crosswise into 1/2-inch rings, tentacles left whole
• 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large pot, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook over moderately low heat until softened, 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Stir in the wine and cook over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
2. In a saucepan, bring the water, stock and milk to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta. Cook over moderate heat, whisking, until the polenta is slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the butter and season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.
3. Bring the tomato sauce back to a simmer. Add the shrimp and squid and simmer over moderately high heat until barely cooked, about 2 minutes. Add the mussels, cover and cook until they open, 4 minutes. Swirl in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Whisk the polenta and ladle it into bowls. Spoon the stew over the polenta and serve.