Gennaros Mushroom Polenta

Gennaro's Mushroom Polenta is a delicious Italian dish that combines creamy polenta with flavorful sautéed mushrooms. Here's a recipe to guide you through the process:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of instant polenta
• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound (450g) of mushrooms (such as cremini or button mushrooms), sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Gradually pour in the polenta while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta for the time specified on the package instructions, stirring occasionally.
2. Once the polenta is cooked and thickened, stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
3. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have released their moisture and are tender.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
5. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
6. To serve, spoon a portion of the creamy polenta onto a plate or shallow bowl. Top with a generous amount of sautéed mushrooms.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added freshness and color.

Gennaro's Mushroom Polenta makes for a comforting and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.