Polenta Queso Pinwheels and Simple Polenta Wedges

OK, so I'm sort of cheating with the Trader Joe's Organic Polenta in a tube, but at least give me props for trying to get creative...

Tonight's post will simply show the steps I took to present the Polenta two different ways. My next post will feature the actual Spicy Black Bean Chipotle Soup you'll see appearing in these photos.

The first is a Pan Fried Polenta Queso Pinwheel.  An easy way to incorporate cheese into the cornmeal and fun to do ...when you have too much time on you hands! ;)

The second is a basic Pan Fried Polenta Wedge.  Resembling a potato wedge or a large buttery crouton, this simple Polenta presentation is as versatile as it is appealing!

Let's Begin...


One: Polenta Queso Pinwheel

Cut the Polenta into 1/2 inch circles.

Place Polenta circles into a hot cast iron skillet - first coating the pan with either butter, oil or cooking spray. (cooking spray used here)


Cook Polenta about 5-6 minutes per side or until it starts to slightly brown and crisp.

When the Polenta is just about done, take a chopstick (or similar tool) and press holes all around the circle and in the middle (or whatever design you desire).


Stuff the holes with Queso Cheese and then flip Polenta over on skillet (cheese side down) to sear.

When you flip the Polenta back over ~ it will look like this below.


Remove Polenta from pan. Below, I placed the Polenta Queso Pinwheel on top of a hot bowl of Black Bean Soup.

Fun to eat and Delicious!


Two: Pan Fried Polenta Wedges

Simply cut the Polenta into wedge shapes and pan fry on all sides (about 5-6 minute per side).


Here Polenta Wedges are out of the pan - notice the texture and color. They're soft and creamy in the center!


Serve Polenta Wedges alone, with a favorite dipping sauce or as shown below... right on top of a hot bowl of soup!  The options are really endless... 

ENJOY! (Recipe for soup shown below to come ...)