Ingredients and Weight:
- Polenta: 500g (cooked weight)
- Cheddar Cheese: 200g (shredded)
- Cream: 200ml
- Butter: 50g
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (ground)
- Freshly cooked chicken meat, chopped: 150g (or any leftover cooked meat)
- Spring onions: 2 (chopped)
- Garlic cloves: 2 (crushed)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked polenta, cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add the shredded cheese and mix until fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with the chopped chicken meat, spring onions, and crushed garlic cloves.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approx. 450kcal
Fat: Approx. 25g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 40g
Protein: Approx. 25g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Cheesy and creamy texture from the combination of polenta and cheese.
- Savory flavor from the chicken and garlic.
- Easy to prepare and customize with different meats or vegetables.
User Comments:
- "This dish was a hit with my family! The polenta casserole was creamy and delicious."
- "I added some diced ham to mine and it was a great addition."
- "A comforting dish for a cold winter night."
- "The cheese flavor was really rich and the chicken added a nice savory touch."
- "Easy to follow recipe, great for beginners."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure the polenta is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste preference.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken meat or replace with your favorite vegetable.
- You can add other toppings like olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture variations.