Difficulty: Moderate | Yields: 4 servings
Golden polenta rounds with crisp edges become the perfect base for a rich, umami-loaded mushroom ragù, finished with delicate shards of aged Parmesan. It’s rustic meets refined—a hearty, savory bite layered with texture and depth. Perfect as an appetizer, elegant starter, or cozy dinner party small plate.
📜 Why This Works
“Because polenta deserves the spotlight—not just the side dish role.”
When chilled and sliced, polenta crisps beautifully while staying creamy inside. The mushroom ragù, slow-simmered with garlic and herbs, brings intense savory flavor. Parmesan adds sharpness and depth, tying everything together.
Ingredients for Crispy Polenta Rounds with Mushroom Ragù
☑️ 1 cup quick-cooking polenta
☑️ 3 cups vegetable broth or water
☑️ 2 tbsp butter
☑️ Salt & black pepper to taste
☑️ 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
☑️ 2 cups mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster), chopped
☑️ 1 small shallot, minced
☑️ 1 garlic clove, minced
☑️ 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
☑️ 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
☑️ Shaved Parmesan for garnish
☑️ Optional: chopped parsley or chives
👩🍳 How to Make It Crispy Polenta Rounds with Mushroom Ragù
🔥 Step 1: Make & Set the Polenta
1️⃣ Bring broth to a boil. Stir in polenta and reduce heat.
2️⃣ Cook 5–7 minutes until thick. Stir in butter, season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Pour into a greased dish and smooth to ¾-inch thickness. Chill until firm.
🍳 Step 2: Fry the Polenta
1️⃣ Slice polenta into rounds using a cookie cutter or knife.
2️⃣ Heat olive oil in a skillet and pan-fry until golden and crispy on both sides.
🍄 Step 3: Make the Mushroom Ragù
1️⃣ In a separate pan, sauté shallot and garlic in olive oil.
2️⃣ Add mushrooms and thyme, cook until browned.
3️⃣ Deglaze with balsamic vinegar and season to taste.
🍽️ Step 4: Assemble & Garnish
1️⃣ Spoon warm ragù over crispy polenta.
2️⃣ Top with Parmesan shards and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
💖 Why You’ll Love It
☑️ Crispy, creamy, earthy, and elegant
☑️ Meatless but deeply satisfying
☑️ Crowd-pleasing comfort food with flair
☑️ A cozy way to impress without stress
“Like your favorite cozy sweater—only edible.”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Truffle Honey Glazed Duck Breast You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
