Thursday, July 10, 2008

Chili and Polenta Bowls

I’ve gone on about my love of chili before, but I’m going to do it again. I’m sure this won’t be the last time, either, just so you know. But I can’t help it. What I love most about chili is its versatility. Not only are there a million ways to make chili, but there are just as many ways to serve it. I’ve had it over rice and mixed in with rice. I’ve had it over burgers and over hot dogs, stuffed in poblanos and in burritos, and mixed with cheese for a fantastic dip. All these possibilities, and I haven’t even gotten to corn yet. Chili and corn have a natural affinity for each other. No really, I mean it. Chili and corn bread? Come on. Chili tamale pie? Yes, please. And now, my newest chili experience, chili and polenta bowls.

This is another terrific idea from Rachael Ray. Just pile some polenta into a bowl, make a well in the center, ladle in some chili, and there you have it. Chili and polenta bowls. They’re fabulous. I don’t know how many other people are eating chili right now—I mean, it’s more of a winter dish, right?—but I could never go three months without it. And there are plenty of ways to make it more fitting with the season. I added frozen corn to mine, but fresh corn scraped off the cob would be even better. You could add some grilled veggies or, instead of mixing canned tomatoes into the chili, top the dish off with some fresh salsa. Or, my favorite idea, top it with some fresh chopped avocado and a squeeze of lime. Served with some margaritas, that’s a perfect meal any time of year.

Chili and Polenta Bowls
Adapted from Chunky Chicken and Chorizo Chili

This makes a very thick chili. If you like yours a bit thinner, you can add some extra liquid in the form of beer, chicken stock, or crushed tomatoes. Just add the desired amount at the same time that you add your tomatoes.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 links fresh chorizo
1 pound ground turkey
1.5 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
1 onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
Salt and pepper
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup quick cooking polenta
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Garnishes: chopped scallions, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped avocado

Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Add chorizo, break it up a bit with a wooden spoon, and allow to cook until meat begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Push the chorizo off to the sides of the pot and add turkey. Brown and crumble the turkey for 5 to 6 minutes. Season with chili powder and cumin. Add the onions, garlic, and jalapeno and cook another 5 to 6 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Add the beans, corn, and tomatoes with their liquid and heat through. Season the chili with salt and pepper, to taste, and allow to simmer, covered, while preparing polenta.

Bring stock to a boil in a medium pot. Stir in polenta, and keep stirring until the polenta masses and thickens to a porridge, about 2 minutes. Stir in butter and thyme and season with salt, to taste.

Fill bowls half-way with polenta. Spread polenta up sides of bowls, making a well in the center of each bowl. Fill up bowls with chili, top with desired garnishes, and serve.

21 comments:

  1. OMG what an awesome idea...love this...I too am a chili freak. And I adore polenta so I am so making this for dinner.

    ReplyDelete
  2. A polenta bowl for chili is a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the idea of the polenta bowl. Hey, I have cornmeal, I have some chilis waiting to be used. . .I'm bookmarking this one. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. One big bowl of comfort food for me please!!!It looks delicious!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. that's cool idea. i've always put cornbread over the top...now it's polenta on the bottom. awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I LOVE this idea! Might be a good way to get my hubby to try polenta.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That looks so nice, what a great idea.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the polenta bowl idea!! And the chili sounds delicious, too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. yes, it's the middle of summer and freakin' hot.
    yes, i would like a large bowl of hot and spicy chili right now.
    i love your polenta bowls--great suggestion!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I eat chili year round as well. Summer cannot keep me away!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Polenta is pretty versatile too, and with chili even more delicious! They even use dry polenta as bread in the country side.

    ReplyDelete
  12. It's like a one dish chilli and cornbread type dish - I love it.. Such a clean presentation. Very inventive.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What fun! I love that idea!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the idea. Will definitely be trying this recipe out soon.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Purely brilliant! I love polenta and I love chili and I would never have thought about combining them. Easier than mixing up my cornbread into my chili.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, what a great idea! I love chili, too--any time of the year.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow, this is such a great idea. It looks delicious too!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh these are simply heaven to me. I love to experiment with chili. Great idea here

    ReplyDelete
  19. oh wow, chili!!! I just love this stuff but don't eat it enough! Time to get in the kitchen and make me a big batch! Thank you so much for the great recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I dig the presentation. V nice. Will duplicate at home.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Yummy, this looks so delicious. Your technique is great

    ReplyDelete