Delicious Baked Polenta with Savory Balsamic Mushrooms

Step 1

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

Step 2

In a spacious baking dish, lovingly place your mushrooms, showing off their gills. Drizzle them with a splash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Take a moment to crush some fragrant thyme between your fingertips and sprinkle it over the mushrooms like confetti.

Step 3

Bake this delightful ensemble in the cozy oven until the mushrooms are tender, which usually takes about 20 minutes. When they're ready, delicately transfer them to a plate using tongs, making sure to leave behind any flavorful juices in the baking dish.

Step 4

Now, let's turn our attention to the polenta. In a generously sized pot, bring a mixture of water and half-and-half to a lively boil. Slowly add the polenta in a graceful stream, all the while whisking with enthusiasm. Lower the heat and continue to cook, stirring diligently until the mixture thickens, which usually takes around 10 minutes. Once done, remove the pot from the heat and add in the Swiss cheese, a pinch of sea salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir with care until the cheese melts into a creamy dream.

Step 5

Pour this velvety polenta into the same baking dish that cradled the mushrooms. Use a spatula to gently level the top. Now, place the mushrooms, gill-side up, onto the polenta bed. Sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese on top like a snowfall in the forest.

Step 6

Return this masterpiece to the warm oven and bake until the mushrooms are tender, approximately 20 minutes. Once done, take it out of the oven and sprinkle a touch of truffle salt for a final touch of magic.