Polenta con Salsiccia e Funghi Sammarinese
A hearty and rustic dish featuring creamy polenta topped with a rich ragu of local sausage and wild mushrooms, seasoned with herbs. This dish embodies the comforting flavors of San Marino's countryside cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Coarse cornmeal (polenta)
- 1.2 l Water
- 300 g Sausage(San Marinese or Italian style, casings removed)
- 250 g Mixed mushrooms(such as porcini, cremini, or chanterelles, sliced)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 200 ml Tomato passata
- 100 ml Dry white wine
- 1 sprig Fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 50 g Parmigiano-Reggiano(grated, for serving)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the polenta: Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 30-40 minutes, or until thick and creamy. Season with salt.
- 2
While the polenta cooks, prepare the ragu: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat.
- 3
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- 5
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer and reduce by half.
- 6
Stir in the tomato passata, cooked sausage, rosemary sprig, and thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 7
Remove rosemary and thyme sprigs before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 8
To serve, ladle the creamy polenta into shallow bowls and top generously with the sausage and mushroom ragu. Garnish with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a grind of black pepper.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use good quality San Marinese or Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't rush the polenta cooking; slow and steady stirring creates the best texture.
- ✓Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like peas or bell peppers to the ragu.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of cream to the polenta for extra richness.
- Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes into the ragu for a touch of heat.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.