Polenta Sliders Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
• Combine the oil, garlic, oregano and pepper flakes in a small bowl. Arrange the polenta, tomato and onion slices on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops of the polenta and vegetables with the herbed oil. Sprinkle the vegetables with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Roast until the vegetables are soft and beginning to caramelize, about 25 minutes.
• Gently combine the ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Shape into 8 patties about 2 1/2 inches across and 1/2 inch thick. Spray both sides with nonstick cooking spray. Heat a large nonstick skillet on high for two minutes and arrange the patties in the skillet spaced evenly apart. Reduce to medium high and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Allow patties to rest for 5 minutes before assembling sliders.
• Assemble the sliders: On a work surface, place 8 polenta rounds herb-side down and top with 3 basil leaves, slightly overlapped on each. Top basil with a patty, tomato and onion slices. Sandwich with the remaining polenta rounds, herb-side up, and serve 2 sliders per person.

Steps:

• Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until all polenta is stirred in and there are no lumps.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often, until polenta starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Polenta mixture should still be slightly loose. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 to 6 minutes. When polenta is too thick to whisk, stir with a wooden spoon. Polenta is done when texture is creamy and the individual grains are tender.
• Turn off heat and gently stir 2 tablespoons butter into polenta until butter partially melts; mix 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into polenta until cheese has melted. Cover and let stand 5 minutes to thicken; stir and taste for salt before transferring to a serving bowl. Top polenta with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.