Polenta pizza was a completely new-to-me idea until this week. In our kitchen, herb polenta has been an occasional side dish guest but replacing pizza crust with cheesy polenta was a new and intriguing idea for me. This pizza is like no other deep dish pizza you have had before.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 cup (2.4 dl) polenta (not instant)
- 2 1/2 cups (6 dl) water
- 1/2 cup (1.2 dl) grated parmesan
- 2 large mushrooms
- 1 small red onion
- a small handful sun dried tomatoes
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella
- coarse salt & pepper
- oil for brushing
- basil leaves for serving
Brush an oven dish (around 9 inch/23 cm in size) with oil. In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Slowly add in the polenta whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low, and cook the polenta for 4-5 minutes until it starts pull away from the sides. If it starts to come too thick, add a bit more water. Stir in the grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the polenta into the oven dish. Use an oiled spoon to spread the polenta on the bottom and the sides.
Place sliced mushrooms, red onion, sun dried tomatoes on top of the polenta. Tear pieces of fresh mozzarella on top. Sprinkle with coarse finger salt and pepper. I liked the pizza quite peppery. Bake at 400 F (200 C) for 25-30 minutes until the edges are crisp. Decorate with fresh basil.
{ recipe adapted from real simple }
I've never tried polenta before but, I might have to now. how does it compare to regular pizza dough?
Posted by: Tracy | March 10, 2010 at 05:20 PM
What an interesting idea! I love finding new ways to use familiar ingredients.
Posted by: Amanda | March 10, 2010 at 05:50 PM
I love your photography! I just discovered your site and I'm hooked!
Posted by: Bianca | March 10, 2010 at 07:38 PM
I bookmarked this recipe too! Your photos look so mouthwatering. I must try this!
Posted by: fresh365 | March 10, 2010 at 09:12 PM
Oh polenta.. and with mushrooms and sundried tomatoes!! Awesome recipe!! Can't wait to try this!!
Posted by: Trudy (veggie num num) | March 10, 2010 at 11:16 PM
Hi Tracy, polenta as pizza crust is similar as if you used mashed potatoes, it is not bread like and therefore, it is not very close to a regular kind of pizza. I loved the way it absorbed the flavors!
Amanda, I was excited when I saw the recipe. I would have never thought of it on my own.
Thank you, Bianca! Happy to meet you!
Thanks, Erin!
Trudy, I just stopped by your blog - it looks wonderful! Let me know what you thought about the recipe!
Posted by: tiina | March 11, 2010 at 11:41 AM
Very nice pictures. This dish looks different and intriguing. I've had a deep dish cornmeal crust, but never polenta. It was very tasty as I bet this was. Very pretty blog too.
Posted by: mara | March 13, 2010 at 12:49 AM
Hi Mara, great to see you here, I'm a big fan of your blog! I have to try cornmeal crust sometimes!
Posted by: tiina | March 15, 2010 at 11:19 AM
I actually hace poletna, but this is a good way to eat it. I might try it again!
Thank you.
Posted by: Kira | March 15, 2010 at 01:41 PM
What a gorgeous blog you have here! This polenta pizza looks phenomenal!
Posted by: Rose | March 17, 2010 at 06:51 PM
Thanks, Rose. Love your blog too, glad I found it:)
Posted by: tiina | March 17, 2010 at 07:20 PM
Tomatoes have many properties and vitamin and if you eat it frequently is sure you will see more beautiful because the tomatoes contain antioxidant that help the skin to stay young longer. In fact i read a blog some days ago and i knew all the properties of the tomatoes. That is why i talk to bases.
Posted by: Buy Viagra | September 21, 2010 at 06:37 AM
This looks delicious! I have a couple of questions if you don't mind...
- Is polenta same as cornmeal?
- can I make the crust ahead of time then top it and bake like a dough and serve?
Thanks!
Posted by: Yosha | March 16, 2011 at 04:06 AM