Polenta Stacks with Eggplant, Tomato and Mozzarella
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 large Japanese eggplants, each cut into six 1/2-inch-thick rounds
- Olive oil
- 4 large plum tomatoes, each cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dried oregano
- 1 7 3/4-ounce package small fresh mozzarella balls in water, drained
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- Bring 2 cups water and salt to boil in heavy small saucepan.
- Gradually whisk in cornmeal.
- Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until polenta is very thick, whisking constantly, about 6 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Add cheese and butter; whisk until melted.
- Mix in basil.
- Season generously with pepper.
- Spread in 9x9x2-inch metal baking pan.
- Chill until cold, about 1 hour.
- (Can be made 1 day ahead.
- Cover, keep chilled.)
- Preheat broiler.
- Place eggplant on baking sheet.
- Brush with oil on both sides; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Broil until brown, about 4 minutes per side.
- Arrange 12 tomato slices on large plate (discard end slices).
- Drizzle each slice with a few drops of vinegar.
- Sprinkle eggplant and tomatoes with oregano.
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Oil baking sheet.
- Cut polenta into 25 squares.
- Place 12 squares on sheet.
- Top each with eggplant round.
- Cut cheese into 1/3-inch thick slices; place atop squares.
- Top each with tomato slice (save remaining polenta and cheese for another use).
- Bake polenta stacks until heated through and cheese melts, about 15 minutes.
- Top each stack with 1 basil leaf.
water, salt, yellow cornmeal, freshly grated romano cheese, butter, fresh basil, japanese eggplants, olive oil, tomatoes, vinegar, oregano, mozzarella, basil
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/polenta-stacks-with-eggplant-tomato-and-mozzarella-1174 (may not work)