Beef and Cornmeal Polenta with Green Peppers

This delectable dish combines flavorful beef with creamy cornmeal polenta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The beef is delicately seasoned with a special game spice blend, bringing a rich depth of flavor to the meal. The creamy polenta, infused with green pepper and Parmesan cheese, adds a luxurious touch. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering warmth and comfort with every bite. It's a delightful meal for anyone who enjoys traditional flavors with a modern twist. The preparation involves marinating and then pan-searing the beef for a golden finish. The polenta simmers to perfection, absorbing the aromatic spices and creamy ingredients. Not only is this dish rich in flavors, but it also provides a substantial meal that's beautifully presented. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for an impeccable finish and enjoy the delightful medley of tastes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

700 g beef or 4 beef hearts
1 liter water
100 g cornmeal polenta
400 ml milk
400 ml heavy cream
50 g Parmesan or other hard cheese
100 g butter

Spices and Sauces

4 tbsp Santa Maria game spice blend
Santa Maria green pepper to taste
100 g salt
Santa Maria coarse sea salt to taste

Preparation Time

Total Time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Brine: Dissolve 100 g of salt in 1 liter of water to create a salt brine. Rinse the beef hearts under running water and soak them in the brine for about an hour.
Season the Beef: Remove the hearts from the brine and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of game spice blend for each heart. If using beef, cut it into smaller pieces and coat evenly with the spice blend.
Sear the Beef: Heat 50 g of butter in a pan over medium heat. Sear the beef until it turns golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
Roast in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Transfer the beef to the oven and roast for 6–7 minutes to complete the cooking process.
Prepare the Sauce: Use the remaining 50 g of butter for the sauce. In a saucepan, bring the milk and heavy cream to a boil together with the finely chopped green peppers.
Cook the Polenta: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cornmeal polenta. Cook for around 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Finish the Polenta: Once the polenta is creamy and thick, fold in 50 g of softened butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Taste and Season: Taste the polenta and season with Santa Maria coarse sea salt as needed.
Serve: Plate the roasted beef alongside a generous portion of creamy polenta. Garnish with additional green peppers or a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.

Tips

Choosing Beef: Use high-quality beef for the best flavor; beef hearts are a unique choice that adds a distinctive taste.
Polenta Consistency: Adjust the polenta's consistency by adding more milk if it's too thick or cooking longer if too thin.
Enhance Flavor: For a deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce during the simmering process.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 24 g
Fats: 30 g
Carbs: 25 g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes to the beef seasoning for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair with sautéed greens or a fresh garden salad.
Garnishes: Top with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives.

Best Places

[La Maison du Boeuf] - A renowned steakhouse offering exquisite beef dishes. Location: Avenue Louise, Brussels, Belgium.
[Chez Janou] - Known for its Provencal specialties and cozy atmosphere. Location: Rue Roger Verlomme, Paris, France.
[Smith & Wollensky] - Famous for prime steaks and an elegant setting. Location: Third Avenue, New York City, USA.
[The Grazing Goat] - Offers farm-to-table beef dishes with seasonal ingredients. Location: New Quebec Street, London, UK.
[Roka] - Combines innovative flavors with a plush dining experience. Location: Charlotte Street, London, UK.
[Aragawa] - Celebrated for its exceptional Wagyu beef. Location: Naniwa-cho, Tokyo, Japan.
[Brasa y Lena] - Delivers authentic South American beef dishes. Location: Alameda Lorena, São Paulo, Brazil.
[The Ledbury] - Offers a contemporary take on classic beef dishes. Location: Ledbury Road, London, UK.
[CUT by Wolfgang Puck] - Known for its premium beef and chic atmosphere. Location: Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, USA.
[Charle de Beef] - A steakhouse with a rich menu of beef classics. Location: Plaza Mercedes, Buenos Aires, Argentina.