Prawns on Crisp Polenta Rounds and Sun-Dried Tomato Dipping Sauce
Author: 
Cuisine: Appetizer
 
Ingredients
  • For the Polenta Rounds (a 9x13-inch pan would yield at least 10 small rounds)
  • 1 cup polenta (not quick-cooking)
  • 2 cups stock (vegetable or chicken)
  • 1¼ cups water
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • Scant ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1½ – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Prawns, shelled and deveined, as many pieces as polenta rounds
  • For the Sun-Dried tomato dipping sauce:
  • ¼ cup dun dried tomatoes in olive oil, including some of the olive oil
  • 1 fresh garlic clove (or roasted garlic if you have it)
  • 1 anchovy fillet (optional)
  • Olive oil
  • ***I've refined my recipe for Sun Dried Tomato Dip. Click here for the recipe. ***
Instructions
  1. To prepare the polenta: Place a piece of parchment paper on a 9x13-inch baking pan and brush with olive oil including the sides. Combine the polenta, stock, water, sage and herbs in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the polenta starts to separate from the sides of the pan, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in the butter and cheese and cook for another minute until the butter and cheese have melted and been incorporated into the polenta. Transfer the cooked polenta to the prepared baking pan; flatten and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Allow to cool and set; this will take about 30 minutes.
  2. To crisp up the polenta, cut into rounds using a cookie cutter, brush the tops with olive oil and broil using a baking sheet for 2-3 minutes or until brown on the edges.
  3. To prepare the dipping sauce, process the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and anchovy fillet in a food processor until smooth. Add a drizzle or two of olive oil to reach a consistency you like.
  4. To prepare the prawns, cook in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side or until just pink. Marinate in lemon juice and salt beforehand if you prefer.
  5. Assembly: Spread a little of the dipping sauce on top of the polenta rounds then top with one prawn. Serve warm.
Recipe by Lemons + Anchovies at https://lemonsandanchovies.com/2012/12/prawns-on-crisp-polenta-rounds-and-sun-dried-tomato-dipping-sauce/