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Polenta with Mushroom Ragù

A comforting and nutritious dish combining creamy polenta with savory mushroom ragù, perfect for healthy meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Polenta
  • 2 cups cornmeal Use medium or coarsely ground cornmeal.
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil For flavor and richness.
  • to taste teaspoons salt
For the Mushroom Ragù
  • ¾ lb. mixed minced meat (beef, pork, veal, prosciutto crudo) Can substitute with ground turkey for a healthier version.
  • 3 stalks celery Diced.
  • 3 medium carrots Diced.
  • 1 small onion Diced.
  • 1 ½ tablespoons dried mushrooms Soaked beforehand.
  • 1 stick cinnamon For additional flavor.
  • 2 cups vegetable broth Or more if needed for desired sauce consistency.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour To thicken the ragù.
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil For sautéing.
  • about ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped For garnish.
  • to taste teaspoons salt
  • to taste teaspoons pepper

Method
 

Preparation of Polenta
  1. Bring 1 ½ quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and a generous handful of salt.
  2. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, breaking up any clumps as you go.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and continue to cook the polenta for about 50 minutes, stirring frequently until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Preparation of Mushroom Ragù
  1. Soak the dried mushrooms in a bowl of warm water for about 40 minutes. After soaking, remove the mushrooms, reserving the water.
  2. Squeeze the soaked mushrooms to remove excess water, then chop them into small pieces.
  3. Dice the celery, carrots, and onion. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the diced vegetables and a cinnamon stick. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Cut the prosciutto crudo into 1-inch strips and add to the pan along with the minced meat. Sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
  5. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the mixture, and gradually add the reserved mushroom water and ladles of vegetable broth until the sauce becomes creamy.
  6. Season your ragù with salt and pepper, letting it cook for about 20 minutes.
Serving
  1. Transfer the cooked polenta to a serving dish and pour the hot mushroom ragù on top. Garnish with finely chopped parsley.

Notes

This dish can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. Reheat with a little water or broth to restore creaminess.