These gluten-free polenta crostini scream TASTY at every bite. All you need is a bunch of simple ingredients to put together this simple yet elegant starter.
Polenta is ground cornmeal that you can boil and serve soft but you can also use to make delicious cakes, or simply grill and stir-fry.
It’s a popular dish in the north of Italy, and it’s often served with bolognese sauce during the cold months of the year.
Whilst a plate of rich hot polenta warms your heart when it’s freezing outside, these Polenta Crostini with Jamon Ricotta and Rocket make an awesome appetizer all-year-round.
Since they’re made with cornmeal, these tasty bites are also conveniently gluten-free.
Pretty and yet simple, these flavourful bites are surely a great idea for a party, bbq or even a fancy dinner.
How To Make Polenta Crostini
Start by cooking the polenta.
Most grocery stores have the partially cooked version available, which only takes 15 minutes to cook.
Once the thick polenta is fully cooked, spread it over a small tray covered with parchment paper.
Do it while it’s hot, polenta sets very quickly and you want to level it properly to create a rectangular even shape before it hardens.
Allow the polenta to cool for 2o-30 minutes, then use a cookie cutter to cut it into small rounds.
To grill your polenta crostini you can use a skillet or an electric grill like I did.
Two minutes on each side and they will be perfectly crispy.
Then top them with ricotta, spanish ham and rocket leaves, and they are ready to be devoured.
Ingredients Tips
The herby ricotta on top is one of my favorite things to eat. You can make it with store-bought ricotta, but if you have more time try my homemade ricotta -so tasty!
I love the sweet aromatic note that adds to this dish and makes a GREAT pair with some tasty Jamón ibérico.
If you don’t have the spanish ham at hand (but you should definitely try it -I’ve talked about it here), go for the Italian San Daniele or your favorite cured meat.
Or you can simply leave the protein out and keep the polenta crostini awesomely vegetarian.
What I love the most about these light polenta crostini is that you can easily customize them to meet your taste.
Have fun trying new ingredients combo, this polenta snack is basically a gluten-free bruschetta!
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thepetitecook! Looking at your pictures always makes me smile *and super hungry*!
Polenta Crostini with Jamon, Ricotta and Rocket
Ingredients
- 1 liter water
- 2 tsp salt
- 240 grams quick cook polenta cornmeal
- 120 grams herby ricotta
- 4 slices iberian ham or italian prosciutto cut into small strips
- a bunch of fresh rocket/ arugula
- zest of 1 lemon
- extravirgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat.
- Gradually pour in the cornmeal in a thin stream, whisking continuously. Season with salt.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is very thick, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and spread as evenly as possible, over a tray covered with parchment paper. Cover with another sheet of parchment paper and allow to set and slightly cool.
- With the help of a cookie cutter, cut the polenta into rounds, brush with little olive oil and grill for 2 mins on each sides.
- Spread some herby ricotta over the polenta crostini and decorate with arugula, iberian ham, and lemon zest.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled. Store in the fridge in an airtight container up to 2 days.
