Polenta with Wine-Glazed Mushrooms

For this recipe, I simply topped some Pan-Grilled Polenta Rounds with my Wine-Glazed Mushrooms. The combination is elegant and delicious!

RECIPE:

1 tube of prepared polenta (plain)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 small shallot, minced
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 pound fresh white or brown (crimini) mushrooms, or a mixture, sliced
Generous pinch of dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (preferably Italian flat-leaf parsley), divided
1/2 cup dry white wine
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cut the polenta into 8 slices.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the polenta slices, and cook, turning once, until heated through and lightly browned on both sides. Keep warm until ready to use.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute for a minute or two, until fragrant. Do not let the shallot or garlic burn.

Add the mushrooms to the skillet, along with the thyme, 1/2 tablespoon of the parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Saute until the mushrooms are lightly golden, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Add the white wine, along with additional salt and pepper as needed. Raise heat to medium-high, and saute until most of the wine has evaporated.

To serve, arrange polenta slices on serving plate(s). Top with the mushroom mixture, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of parsley.

-- 4 servings (2 polenta slices per serving)