Polenta with Chicken, Arugula, And Goat Cheese
-------------------------------POLENTA CUBES-------------------------------
2 c Chicken Stock
3 Cloves garlic; chopped
1/4 c Cayenne sauce
1 c Polenta or finely ground
cornmeal
1/4 c Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to
taste
--------------------------------TO ASSEMBLE--------------------------------
4 c Polenta cubes
8 oz Boneless; skinless chicken
breast
1 tb Olive oil
2 Shallots; chopped
2 Cloves garlic; chopped
1 c Chicken Stock
1/4 c Kalamata olives; pitted
1/4 c Diced sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 lb Fresh arugula
1/4 c Balsamic vinegar
2 tsp Chopped fresh basil
Salt and black pepper to
taste
1/2 c Soft; mild goat cheese,
crumbled
For the polenta, place stock, garlic, and cayenne sauce in a saucepan and
bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta and stir until the mixture is
thick and resembles very thick mud, 4 to 5 minutes.
Whisk in the Parmesan
cheese and season well with salt and pepper.
Pour onto a greased rimmed
baking sheet and allow to cool in the refrigerator
for about 1 hour. When
polenta is cool, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside.
To assemble the dish, cut the chicken breast into 1/2-inch slices. Heat oil
in a large saute pan until smoking hot. Add chicken and sear on both sides,
about 2 minutes per side.
Add shallots and garlic and saute lightly, being
careful not to burn them.
Add stock and simmer to reduce, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes.
Add arugula
and cook until it starts to wilt.
Add polenta cubes and toss to mix. Add
vinegar and basil. Season to taste.
Add the goat cheese and toss to mix.
Place on plates or a serving platter and top with more goat cheese or
Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Serves four.