By Eileen Latimore
Agrodolce Stewed Peppers w/ Polenta
5 steps
Prep:15minCook:30min
Updated at: Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:59:48 GMT
Nutrition balance score
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Ingredients
4 servings
3 tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
plus more to serve
¼ cuppine nuts
3 BELLPEPPERS
MEDIUM, A MIX OF RED, YELLOW OR ORANGE, STEMMED, SEEDED AND THINLY SLICED
1red onion
medium, halved and thinly sliced
kosher salt
ground black pepper
0.5 CUPRAISINS
OR GOLDEN RAISINS OR CURRANTS
¼ cupdrained capers
3 tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
1 cupinstant polenta
2 OUNCESPARMESAN CHEESE
OR AGED ASIAGO CHEESE, FINELY GRATED, PLUS SHAVED CHEESE TO SERVE
1 tablespoonhoney
Instructions
Step 1
In a 12-inch skillet over medium, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the nuts to a small bowl; set aside. To the skillet, add the bell peppers, onion and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the raisins, capers, vinegar and ¾ cup water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are fully softened and most of the liquid has evaporated, 12 to 15 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 2 cups water and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil. While whisking constantly, gradually add the polenta. Return to a boil, stirring occasionally, and cook, continuing to stir, until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cheese and ½ teaspoon pepper, adding more water to thin, if needed. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3
When the pepper mixture is done, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the honey, then taste and season with salt and pepper. Stir the polenta to smooth it out and pour the polenta into a serving dish. Top with the stewed peppers and drizzle with additional oil. Scatter on the pine nuts and shaved cheese.
Step 4
Optional garnish: Chopped fresh mint OR fresh basil
Step 5
Don’t use regular polenta or quick polenta, as both have different absorption properties and cooking times than instant polenta. Even different brands of instant polenta may vary in thickness once cooked. It should be creamy and spoonable; if yours is too thick, after mixing in the cheese, stir in additional water to thin it to the desired consistency.