Recipe-o'-clock: Cook Italian truffle polenta with wild mushrooms at home
Italian truffle polenta with wild mushrooms brings Italy's earthy flavors to your kitchen. Originating from northern Italy, polenta, a comforting staple made from ground cornmeal, has been central to Italian cuisine for centuries. When paired with the luxurious taste of truffles and the rustic charm of wild mushrooms, it creates a vegetarian delight that's both comforting and sophisticated. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, you'll need one cup of coarse cornmeal, four cups of water or vegetable broth, one-half teaspoon of salt (adjustable), two tablespoons of olive oil, one pound of mixed wild mushrooms (cleaned, sliced), two minced garlic cloves, one tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, two tablespoons truffle oil (for drizzling), and additional salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the polenta
Begin by boiling four cups of water or vegetable broth in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal and half a teaspoon of salt. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender—about 15 to 20 minutes. If it becomes too thick, you can add more water or broth as needed.
Cook the wild mushrooms
While the polenta is simmering, warm two tablespoons of olive oil in a sizable skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce the sliced wild mushrooms to the pan, sauteing until they achieve a golden brown hue and become tender, which should take about five to seven minutes. In the final moments, stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves to infuse additional flavor into the mushrooms.
Combine and serve
Once ready, spoon the creamy polenta onto plates or bowls. Top with the golden brown, tender sauteed wild mushrooms. A drizzle of truffle oil adds a luxurious touch to each serving. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. This dish not only delivers an authentic Italian flavor but also demonstrates the transformation of simple ingredients into something exquisite with careful cooking.
