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Millet Polenta

Source of Recipe

Chef Amy


List of Ingredients

3¼ cups liquid (water, broth, or stock)
1 cup rinsed millet
2 tablespoons olive oil


Recipe

In a medium or large saucepan, bring liquid (water, broth, or stock) to a boil.

Add rinsed millet and return to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 45 minutes. The texture should be similar to porridge or mashed potatoes. (The millet can be served in this form as a side dish or hot cereal.)

Pack the cooked millet into a 9 x 5 loaf pan. Smooth the surface of the millet using a spatula or spoon.

Place wax paper over the millet, and chill for several hours or overnight.

When chilled thoroughly, remove the wax paper.

The polenta is easily removed from the pan by simply turning the pan over. The polenta should release from the pan as one congealed mass.

Cut the polenta into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices. The 1/4 inch slices will cook more rapidly and can be sautéed while the 1/2 inch slices will require frying.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.

Place the slices in the heated oil and cook until well heated and browned. Sauté 1/4 inch slices 2 to 3 minutes per side. Fry the thicker slices (1/2 inch) for a total of 10 minutes or more.

Turn thin slices only once when sautéing, but turn as needed when frying thicker slices.

Serve immediately. The millet polenta can be served in a variety of ways. Use it as an appetizer or entrée accompanied with salsa. Serve it with meat, fish, or poultry; as a substitute for potatoes or rice; or cover it with steamed or stir-fried vegetables. With the addition of butter and syrup, it can be served as a breakfast dish.

Author's Notes: The subtle sweetness of millet provides a delicious flavor to this polenta variation – a perfect accompaniment for any main dish and a great substitute for potatoes.