Parmesan Polenta with Sausage Ragout

By á-4084

A hearty classic Italian dish, perfect for the coming of fall. Tuck into a bowl of creamy polenta with spicy Italian sausage ragout tonight!

Ingredients

• 1 ⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausages, casings removed
• 1 red onion, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 ⁄4 cup basil leaves, finely chopped
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1⁄4 cups polenta (not quick-cooking) or yellow cornmeal
• 1 ⁄2 cup Parmesan, freshly grated, plus more for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high; add sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add tomatoes and boil; simmer until thick, 20 minutes. Add basil, vinegar, kosher salt, and pepper; keep warm.

Meanwhile, bring sea salt and 5 cups water to a boil in a 4-quart saucepan; slowly add polenta and cook, stirring constantly, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy, 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add remaining oil, 1⁄2 cup parmesan, and kosher salt.

Divide between bowls and top with ragout; garnish with more Parmesan.