Recipe of the Day

Polenta with Back Bacon and Eggs

Servings 6
 
Poached eggs sit pretty atop a stack of pan-crisped polenta and back bacon.

Ingredients

  1. 2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil 
  2. 1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded Asiago or old Cheddar cheese 
  3. 12 slices back bacon (6 oz/175 g) 
  4. 6 eggs 
  5. 1 green onion, chopped 
  6.  
  7. Polenta: 
  8. 3 cups (750 mL) chicken stock 
  9. Pinch pepper 
  10. 3/4 cup (175 mL) cornmeal

Steps

  1. Polenta: In saucepan, bring chicken stock and pepper to boil; gradually whisk in cornmeal until thickened. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until stiff to stir and cornmeal is softened. Scrape into 11- x 7-inch (2 L) glass baking dish, spreading evenly. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 1 hour or until firm. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.) Cut into 6 pieces.
  2. In large nonstick skillet, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat; cook polenta, turning once, for 5 minutes or until golden. Transfer to serving plates; sprinkle with cheese.
  3. Add remaining oil to pan; cook bacon, turning once, for 4 minutes or until browned. Place 2 slices on each piece of polenta; keep warm.
  4. Meanwhile, into shallow saucepan, pour enough water to come 3 inches (8 cm) up side; bring to boil. Reduce heat to gently simmer. One at a time, break eggs into small dish; gently slip into simmering water. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until desired doneness. Remove each egg with slotted spoon and drain well, pressing spoon on towel to remove excess water; place 1 on top of bacon on each piece of polenta. Sprinkle with onion.