
Crispy Polenta Coins with Lemon Ricotta Cream, Roasted Rosemary Grapes and Toasted Walnut
An original appetizer with elegant contrast: golden, crispy polenta coins topped with a silky lemon ricotta cream, roasted rosemary grapes, and toasted walnut. It brings together texture, freshness, and a sweet-savory touch in a small, eye-catching bite.
Ingredients
- 120 g instant polenta (for the base)
- 480 ml water (for cocinar the polenta)
- 4 g salt (divided)
- 25 g grated Parmesan cheese (for the polenta)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 180 g ricotta cheese (for the cream)
- 1 unit lemon (usar zest fina and 15 ml/1 tbsp of juice)
- 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 180 g seedless red grapes (cut por the mitad)
- 2 g fresh rosemary (chopped fino)
- 10 ml honey (for the uvas)
- 35 g walnuts (chopped gruesas and tostadas)
- 6 g small basil leaves (for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Line a small container or square pan with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and add 2 g (about 1/4 tsp) of the salt.
- 2
2. Lower the heat and slowly pour in the polenta, whisking constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan and 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Mix well.
- 3
3. Spread the hot polenta into the lined container, making a layer about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick. Smooth the surface and let it cool for 10 minutes, until firm.
- 4
4. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Place the red grapes on a small baking tray, then add the rosemary, honey, 5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil, 1 g (a pinch) of salt, and the black pepper. Toss and roast for 10 to 12 minutes, until the grapes are juicy and slightly wrinkled.
- 5
5. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the lemon zest and 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice. Add the remaining 1 g (a pinch) of salt and stir until smooth and creamy.
- 6
6. Unmold the firm polenta and cut out small rounds with a 4 to 5 cm (1 1/2 to 2 inches) cutter. If you do not have a cutter, cut small squares instead.
- 7
7. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat with the remaining 10 ml (2 tsp) olive oil. Cook the polenta rounds for 2 to 3 minutes per side until crisp and golden.
- 8
8. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Remove from the heat.
- 9
9. To assemble, place a small spoonful of ricotta cream on each polenta coin. Top with a few roasted grapes, some toasted walnut, and small basil leaves.
- 10
10. Serve the crispy polenta coins warm or at room temperature as an appetizer.
Chef tips
For cleaner cuts, chill the polenta a few extra minutes. Roast the grapes just until softened, but not until they collapse.
Substitutions
You can swap the walnuts for pecans for a slightly sweeter flavor. Ricotta can be replaced with well-drained cottage cheese. Basil can be replaced with microgreens.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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