Melty Heart Polenta Cakes with Grana Padano Sauce

Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Polenta Base
   Begin by filling a deep pan with water and placing it on medium heat. Once the water starts boiling, add a pinch of coarse sea salt. Gradually pour in the instant polenta and cereal flour, stirring constantly to prevent clumps from forming. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 4 minutes, continuing to stir until the polenta reaches a smooth consistency.

2. Shape the Polenta Cakes
   Once the polenta is cooked, turn off the heat. Use a spoon to distribute the hot polenta evenly into individual molds. Form a thin layer of polenta on the bottom and around the edges, leaving a small indentation in the center of each mold. In the center of each mold, gently place one egg yolk. Sprinkle with a pinch of fine sea salt, and cover the egg yolk with an additional layer of polenta to seal the “heart.”

3. Bake the Polenta Cakes
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the polenta cakes in a static oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden on the outside.

4. Prepare the Grana Padano Sauce
   While the cakes are baking, prepare the sauce. In a separate small saucepan, pour the fresh liquid cream and heat it over medium heat. Once warm, add the grated Grana Padano cheese and whisk until it completely melts into a smooth sauce. Adjust the seasoning with white pepper to taste.

5. Serve the Polenta Cakes
   Once the cakes are baked, remove them from the oven and carefully invert each mold onto a serving platter. To release the cakes, you may gently tap the sides or run a knife along the edges. Pour the creamy Grana Padano sauce over the top of each polenta cake, and your dish is ready to serve.

Enjoy your Polenta Cakes with a Melting Heart, perfect for an appetizer that’s as indulgent as it is sophisticated!