Ingredients
700 grams chicken stock or vegetable stock
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
10 grams kosher salt
300 grams polenta , Moretti brand
300 grams whole milk
150 grams unsalted butter, cubed
Extra virgin olive oil, to finish
Mushroom Conserva
1 kilogram assorted fresh mushrooms of your choice
Extra virgin olive oil, enough to cover mushrooms in the pot
2 bay leaves
4 thyme sprigs
1 rosemary sprig
½ gram Piment d’Espelette (or chile flakes)
45 grams sherry vinegar
10 grams kosher salt
Method for Creamy Polenta
Combine the stock, garlic, and kosher salt in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Pour in the polenta in a stream and cook over low heat, whisking often, for 17 to 20 minutes, until the polenta is quite dry and coats the bottom of the pan. The moisture must evaporate, because it will be replaced with fat; otherwise, the texture could be gummy.
Meanwhile, warm the milk in a small saucepan. Increase the heat under the polenta to medium and stir in butter.
Add the milk about one quarter at a time, letting the polenta absorb it each time before adding more. Season to taste with kosher salt if needed. Adjust butter as needed.
Method for Mushroom Conserva
Clean the mushrooms and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Combine the olive oil, herbs, and chile flakes.
Heat the oil to 170°F, add the mushrooms and stir. Bring the temperature back to 170°F. Cook for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar and salt. Allow to steep for 45 minutes. Transfer to clean covered storage container. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.