Grilled Italian Polenta with Gorgonzola and Honey

Introduction

Grilled polenta with creamy melted Gorgonzola and a touch of honey creates a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and sweet flavors. This Italian-inspired dish is easy to prepare and grills beautifully on the Arteflame, delivering incredible texture and taste. Using the Arteflame grill allows the polenta to develop a deliciously crisp crust while keeping the inside tender and creamy. Serve this as an appetizer or a side for a gourmet Italian meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tube pre-cooked polenta (sliced into ½ inch rounds)
• 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese (crumbled)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them at the bottom of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build up.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the griddle cooktop reaches the perfect grilling temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Polenta

1. Slice the polenta into ½ inch thick rounds.
2. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Grill the Polenta

1. Spread the butter over the hot griddle cooktop.
2. Place the polenta slices onto the Arteflame’s flat-top cooktop near the center for a higher heat sear.
3. Grill each side for about 4–5 minutes until crispy and golden.

Step 4: Add the Gorgonzola

1. Move the polenta slightly outwards to a slightly cooler zone.
2. Sprinkle crumbled Gorgonzola evenly over each slice.
3. Allow the cheese to melt for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Drizzle with Honey and Finish

1. Drizzle honey generously over the melted Gorgonzola.
2. Garnish with fresh thyme (optional) for added aroma.
3. Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use a spatula to gently handle the polenta to prevent it from breaking.
• If you want extra crispiness, let the polenta cook a little longer on each side.
• Adjust the grill zone to control the heat effectively.
• For an extra smoky flavor, use hardwood like oak or hickory.
• Pair with a glass of Italian white wine to complement the creamy cheese and honey.

Variations

1. Spicy Gorgonzola Polenta: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving for a bit of heat.
2. Herb-Infused Polenta: Mix in chopped rosemary or basil for an earthy touch.
3. Caramelized Onion Topped Polenta: Add sautéed onions for an extra layer of sweetness.
4. Nutty Crunch Polenta: Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top to add texture.
5. Truffle-Infused Polenta: Drizzle a bit of truffle oil before serving for a luxurious taste.

Conclusion

This grilled Italian polenta with Gorgonzola and honey is a perfect combination of crispiness, creaminess, and sweetness. The Arteflame grill provides the ideal heat control to achieve the perfect texture, making the dish even more delicious. Whether served as an appetizer or side, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.

Best Pairings

• A glass of crisp Italian Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus grilled on the Arteflame.
• Grilled Italian sausage with balsamic peppers.
• Caprese salad with vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil.
• Rustic grilled bread with olive oil and sea salt.