Caserola Milanese

Caserola Milanese

Caserola Milanese is parmesan polenta layered in a casserole with vegetables, tomatoes, fresh herbs and cheeses and baked in the oven.

IMG_3149_webServes 4

Ingredients

Polenta Layer

  • 1 cup polenta meal, dry
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese

Filling

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 2 stalks celery
  • ½ red bell pepper
  • 1 cup baby carrots, cut into pieces
  • 2 small zucchini
  • 2 cups kale, stemmed and roughly chopped
  • 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ cup red wine
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, minced
  • 1 tablespoon thyme, minced
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese

 

Directions

For the polenta layer

1  Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Turn heat to low and gradually add the polenta, stirring rapidly with a wooden spoon. Add butter, salt and pepper. Continue to stir while the polenta simmers on low hear for 5 minutes.

2  Remove from heat and add the ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Pour into the well-buttered Pyrex dish, spread with a rubber spatula and let set.

polenta in casserole

For the filling

1  Chop onion finely. Mash garlic, set aside. Cut celery, carrots, zucchini and red bell into bite-sized pieces and keep separately.

2  In large sauce pan, add olive oil. Turn heat to medium, wait one minute, then sauté garlic and onions until they are translucent, about 4 minutes.

3  Add the celery, and red bell pepper and cook about 3 more minutes. Then add the carrots and zucchini. Add the kale and stir one minute more.

4  Add the herbs, drained tomatoes, red wine and tomato paste. Cook 5 more minutes on a medium-low heat. Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese.

5  With a slotted spoon, layer vegetables onto the cooled polenta.

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6  Sprinkle on grated mozzarella.

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7  Bake in a 325° oven for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let set about 5 minutes before serving.

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caseerola milanese detail
Enjoy!
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