Polenta With Mushroom Gravy And Parmesan

Ingredients

• 2 quarts water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Corn meal (approx. 1 cup)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ clove garlic, minced
• 5 dried mushrooms, soaked
• Soaking water from mushrooms
• Beef extract (small amount)
• Salt to taste
• Paprika to taste
• Pinch of sugar
• 1/3 teaspoon vinegar
• Flour (for thickening)
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Apple sauce, for serving

Method

1. 1 Bring 2 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil in a heavy kettle.
2. 2 Slowly stir in corn meal. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or more, stirring occasionally until very stiff.
3. 3 Pour polenta into a pan to set. Cut into 1-inch wide pieces and arrange on a platter.
4. 4 Brown onion in butter. Add garlic, soaked mushrooms (chopped), and their soaking water.
5. 5 Stir in beef extract, salt, paprika, sugar, and vinegar. Thicken with a little flour to make a gravy.
6. 6 Serve polenta topped with gravy, grated Parmesan cheese, and a side of apple sauce.