Classic Italian Polenta Bites (Savory)

Ingredients

Polenta

240g quick cook polenta
1 liter vegetable stock
1 tsp Olive oil (or any preferred vegetable oil to grease the tray for polenta)
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Goat cheese

400 g goat cheese
2 Tbsp honey

Caramelized Onions

2 large onions (peeled and julienned/ringed)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tsp olive oil
Pinch black salt

Other Toppings

1/2 can sun-dried tomatoes
Fresh basil leaves

Cooking Instructions

How to Make Polenta at Home Easy Way

Bring the vegetable stock to a boil and then turn the heat down as you slowly whisk in the polenta (taking care to remove any lumps). Once the mix has been cooking for a few minutes and has thickened by coming together and is getting harder to whisk, remove the pan from the heat. Pour the mix into an oiled tray (baking tray would serve the purpose here) and smooth out the top with a spatula. Once cool to room temperature, put in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour until firm and set. Cut it in squares or circles per your preference (To achieve clean cut bites, slightly oil the knife or round cookie cutter before cutting the polenta slab).
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, place polenta slices side by side in a skillet and heat until both sides (around 7-8 minutes on each side) are a deep golden brown and crispy. (Note: Do this step only after preparing the rest of the toppings mentioned below. Also, you may choose to bake or grill the bites per your cooking method preference; all cooking styles work well here)

To bake your polenta bites after slicing, set the oven at 220 F and bake for 30-40 minutes until brown and crispy.

How to Make Caramelized Onions with Brown Sugar (Caramelized Onions Balsamic Recipe)

While the polenta is getting firm in the refrigerator, heat a frying pan over a medium heat and add the olive oil. Turn the heat to low and add the onions. Cook for 10 minutes before adding the balsamic, brown sugar, and salt. Cook for a further 10 minutes until caramelized. Set aside. (Note: there will be a tangy reduction at the bottom after using the onions in polenta assembling. This sweet-tangy reduction can be drizzled on polenta bites to add extra zing).

How to Make Honey whipped Goat Cheese Topping (Honey Goat Cheese Appetizers Topping)

While polenta is setting up, roughly mash goat cheese, and 2 tablespoons of honey in a bowl. Don’t over mix or smash. There should be lines of honey running through the cheese.

How to Make Polenta Bites (Assembling Polenta Bites; Also serves well as Quick Party Appetizers for Kids and Adults alike)

Plate the cooked crispy polenta bites (let them cool for 5 minutes before spreading the cheese). Smear a layer of sweet goat cheese, add 2-3 juliennes of caramelized onions making a hollow circle. Place a sun-dried tomato in the hollow center and then a fresh basil leaf on top. If desired, drizzle the tangy balsamic reduction (leftover in pan) on top to finish off.
Serve warm or at room temperature.