Polenta Sammarinese con Salsiccia
A hearty and rustic polenta dish from San Marino, featuring creamy polenta enriched with crumbled sausage and a savory tomato-based sauce. This is a comforting and flavorful main course that highlights local ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Coarse cornmeal (polenta)
- 1 liter Water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 400 g Italian sausage(casings removed, crumbled)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Crushed tomatoes
- 100 ml Dry white wine
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Fresh rosemary(chopped)
- 50 g Parmesan cheese(grated, for serving)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal to prevent lumps.
💡 Tip: Whisk continuously for the first few minutes. - 2
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 30-40 minutes, or until polenta is thick and creamy.
💡 Tip: Stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. - 3
While polenta cooks, heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
💡 Tip: Ensure all pink is gone from the sausage. - 4
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer and reduce slightly.
- 6
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chopped rosemary. Season with black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- 7
To serve, spoon the creamy polenta into bowls. Top generously with the sausage and tomato sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
💡 Tip: You can stir some grated Parmesan cheese into the polenta itself for extra richness.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother polenta, use a whisk initially.
- ✓Don't rush the polenta cooking; low and slow is key for texture.
- ✓Adjust seasoning to your preference; you might need more salt depending on the sausage.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into the sauce.
- Serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese.