Polenta de Choclo
Polenta de Choclo Recipe from Paraguay - Chicken and Cheese Polenta
Introduction
Polenta de Choclo is a traditional South American dish that combines crispy chicken fillets with a creamy corn sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.
History
Polenta de Choclo has its origins in Chile and Peru, where corn is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The dish has evolved over the years, with different variations and additions to suit different tastes and preferences.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 fillets of chicken breast (3 whole breasts), skinless
- 1.5 cups of polenta
- 0.75 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup of chopped parsley
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- salt
- pepper
- vegetable oil
How to prepare
- Chicken:
- To clean chicken fillets. If the fillets are large, cut them in half lengthwise to make them thinner. It is better if the thickness is even throughout the fillet. Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
- Place polenta in a large plate and mix it with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. In another plate, lightly beat the eggs.
- Coat the fillets with polenta and then dip them in the beaten eggs. Coat them again with polenta, ensuring that the fillets are completely covered. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan. Fry the fillets over medium heat on both sides until they are cooked and golden brown.
- Remove the fillets from the frying pan and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Keep them covered to prevent them from cooling down.
- Cream of Choclo:
- Cook the corn kernels in water with sugar. Once cooked, strain and reserve the cooking liquid.
- Melt butter in a pot, add flour and stir to prevent lumps from forming, approximately 2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk and the reserved cooking liquid of corn, stirring constantly.
- Cook over medium heat until the cream boils and thickens slightly. Add mustard and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add chopped bell pepper and cooked corn. Adjust the seasoning.
- Place the chicken fillets in a serving dish and drizzle them with the cream of choclo. Serve immediately.
Variations
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the cream of choclo sauce for added flavor.
- Use different herbs and spices to season the chicken fillets for a unique twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to season the chicken fillets well before coating them with polenta to enhance the flavor.
- Fry the chicken fillets in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Be careful not to overcook the cream of choclo sauce, as it can become too thick.
Serving Suggestions
Polenta de Choclo can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.
Cooking Techniques
Make sure to fry the chicken fillets in hot oil to achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior.
- Stir the cream of choclo sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming and ensure a smooth texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use cornmeal instead of polenta if it is not available.
- Substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a different flavor and texture.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the chicken fillets and cream of choclo sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving for a quick and easy meal.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Polenta de Choclo on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Polenta de Choclo contains approximately 450 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
Carbohydrates
Polenta de Choclo is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the polenta and corn providing a good source of energy for the body.
Fats
The dish contains fats from the butter, cheese, and oil used in cooking. These fats add flavor and richness to the dish.
Proteins
The chicken fillets in Polenta de Choclo are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
Vitamins and minerals
The dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the corn and parsley used in the recipe. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.
Alergens
This dish contains dairy (cheese, milk, butter) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any allergies before consuming the dish.
Summary
Polenta de Choclo is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Summary
Polenta de Choclo is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its crispy chicken fillets and creamy corn sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Polenta de Choclo. It was tucked away in an old recipe book that had belonged to my great-grandmother, passed down through the generations. As I carefully turned the yellowed pages, I stumbled upon the handwritten instructions for this traditional South American dish, made with fresh corn and cheese.
I had always been fascinated by the culinary traditions of different cultures, and the idea of making a dish that had been enjoyed by generations before me filled me with a sense of connection to my ancestors. I decided then and there that I would learn how to make Polenta de Choclo, and carry on the tradition in my own kitchen.
I set out to gather the ingredients, starting with fresh corn from the local farmer's market. As I shucked the corn and cut off the kernels, I thought about the hands that had done the same task before me, passing down the knowledge of how to make this dish with care and love.
Next, I grated the cheese and diced the onions, following the precise measurements and techniques outlined in the recipe. I could almost hear the whispers of my great-grandmother guiding my hands as I worked, her presence felt in the familiar rhythm of cooking.
As the polenta simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I reflected on the journey that had brought me to this moment. I had learned so much from my grandmother, who had introduced me to the joys of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. She had taught me that food was not just sustenance, but a way to nurture the soul and create lasting memories.
I remembered the first time she had shown me how to make her famous chicken soup, the way she had patiently explained each step and ingredient. I had watched in awe as she transformed simple ingredients into a delicious and comforting meal, and it had sparked a passion for cooking in me that had only grown stronger over the years.
My grandmother had also shared stories of her own culinary adventures, the recipes she had collected from travels around the world and the people she had met along the way. She had taught me that food was a universal language, capable of bridging cultural divides and bringing people together in a shared experience of joy and nourishment.
As I stirred the Polenta de Choclo, feeling the smooth texture of the cornmeal thickening under my spoon, I thought about all the hands that had prepared this dish before me. I imagined the laughter and chatter of family gatherings, the smell of roasted corn filling the air, and the sense of connection that comes from sharing a meal made with love.
Finally, the Polenta de Choclo was ready. I spooned it into bowls, topping each serving with a sprinkle of cheese and a dash of paprika for color. I sat down at the table, taking a moment to savor the aroma and the memories that lingered in each bite.
As I took my first taste, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude wash over me. I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations, honoring the legacy of those who had come before me and celebrating the simple joy of good food made with love.
In that moment, surrounded by the echoes of the past and the warmth of the present, I knew that I had found my own place in the long line of cooks and storytellers who had shared their recipes and their hearts with those they loved. And with each delicious bite of Polenta de Choclo, I felt a deep sense of connection to my ancestors and a renewed appreciation for the power of food to nourish both body and soul.
Categories
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