Polenta Sandwich with Salmon and Crescenza

The polenta sandwich with salmon and crescenza is a creative dish that combines the tradition of Italian polenta with more modern and international flavors. Here is the recipe to prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients

• Instant polenta, as needed
• Water, as indicated on the polenta package
• Salt, to taste
• Crescenza, 200g
• Smoked salmon, 150g
• Chives, for garnish
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil, to taste

Preparation

1. Prepare the polenta following the instructions on the package; usually by bringing salted water to a boil, pouring in the polenta in a steady stream and stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
2. Once ready, pour the polenta onto a previously oiled work surface or tray, spreading it to a thickness of about 1 centimeter.
3. Let the polenta cool completely so it firms up.
4. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of polenta to use as the base of the sandwich.
5. Cut the crescenza into thin slices or spread it, depending on the consistency of the cheese.
6. On half of the polenta circles, place a slice of smoked salmon and on top a slice of crescenza.
7. Cover with another polenta circle and, if desired, quickly heat them in a non-stick pan or in the oven just until the cheese starts to melt.
8. Garnish with chopped chives and, if desired, a sprinkle of fresh black pepper.
9. Serve immediately, accompanied, if desired, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Trivia

Polenta is a very versatile dish that originates from the popular cuisines of northern Italy. Initially considered food for the less affluent classes, today polenta is widely appreciated for its simplicity and for its ability to pair perfectly with a variety of ingredients, as in this case with salmon and crescenza, creating a delicious contrast between the rusticity of polenta and the refinement of smoked salmon.