Polenta Toasts with Balsamic Onions, Roasted Peppers, Feta, and Thyme
Katherine Cobbs, Cooking Light
NOVEMBER 2013
- 16
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 cup dry polenta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- Cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups vertically sliced onion
- 1 thyme sprig
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Preparation
Step 1
1. Bring 3 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually add polenta, stirring constantly with a whisk. Reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Spoon polenta into an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Press plastic wrap onto surface of polenta; chill 2 hours or until firm.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining 1 tablespoon butter; swirl to coat. Add garlic; sauté 15 seconds. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, onion, and thyme sprig; sauté 3 minutes or until onion begins to soften. Reduce heat to low; cook 30 minutes or until onion is very tender, stirring frequently. Add vinegar; cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Discard thyme sprig.
3. Invert polenta onto a cutting board; cut into 16 squares. Cut each square in half diagonally. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat polenta triangles with cooking spray. Add 16 triangles to pan; cook 5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Repeat procedure with remaining triangles.
4. Divide onion mixture, bell pepper, and feta evenly among triangles. Garnish with thyme leaves.