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Creamy Polenta with Broccoli Rabe

polenta_broccoli_rabe_pancetta
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A rich and delicious creamy polenta served with broccoli rabe (or other greens of your choice) and a sprinkling of crunchy pancetta.

Ingredients

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For the Soft Polenta

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch ground white pepper
  • 5 tablespoons instant polenta
  • 5 tablespoons semolina
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Fontina cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pancetta and Broccoli Rabe

  • 4 cups roughly chopped broccoli rabe (or other greens of your choice)
  • 1 slice pancetta, about 1/4 inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Clean and chop the broccoli rabe and place it in a bowl of ice water while you are preparing the polenta and the pancetta. (Soaking the broccoli rabe before cooking will help to remove any bitterness from the greens.)
  2. To prepare the polenta, combine the chicken stock and cream in a heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Quickly whisk in the polenta and semolina – stirring constantly so the mixture doesn’t get lumpy. Continue stirring until the grains are cooked – about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  3. Unwind the pancetta into a long strip and cut into ¼ inch wide pieces. In a skillet (note: you will use the same skillet to cook the greens so select one that is large enough to hold the greens), sauté the pancetta in the olive oil over low heat until the pancetta is very crispy. Remove the pancetta from the pan with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain any excess fat. Set aside.
  4. Drain the broccoli rabe very well and pat dry with a towel (or use a salad spinner) to remove any excess water from the greens.
  5. Turn the heat under the skillet to medium high. There should be about two tablespoons of fat from the pancetta remaining in the pan – but if there is not enough, add some additional olive oil to the pan. When the pan is hot, add the garlic and stir until brown – about 1 minute. Add the thyme, stir briefly. Then add the stock and bring to a boil, reducing to about half. Add the broccoli rabe and season with salt and pepper, then stir to coat well. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low and cook until the broccoli rabe is tender (about 5 minutes).
  6. To serve, pour the polenta onto a warm serving platter and pour the broccoli rabe over it. Sprinkle with the pancetta.

Find it online: https://www.afamilyfeast.com/creamy-polenta-with-pancetta-and-broccoli-rabe/