Cherry Tomato Polenta Tartlets with Basil Mayonnaise
Elegant mini tartlets made with creamy polenta and topped with marinated cherry tomatoes and homemade basil mayonnaise. These bite-sized appetizers combine the rich flavors of polenta, Parmesan cheese, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil.
Ingredients
- •1 cup mayonnaise
- •¾ cup fresh basil leaves
- •1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- •24 whole cherry tomatoes
- •2 cloves garlic
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •2½ cups water
- •1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- •½ cup polenta
- •⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
- •1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Combine mayonnaise, basil, and lemon juice in processor. Blend until smooth (some basil bits will remain). Season mayonnaise with salt and pepper. Transfer to small bowl, cover, and refrigerate. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
10 min
- 2.
Rinse 2 mini muffin pans (12 cups per pan) with cold water; shake off excess water. Mix tomatoes, garlic, and oil in medium bowl; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let stand 15 minutes. Arrange 4 tomato quarters in bottom of each prepared muffin cup.
20 min
- 3.
Bring 2 1/2 cups water and salt to boil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to medium and cook until polenta thickens, whisking almost constantly, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook until polenta is tender, whisking often, about 15 minutes longer. Whisk in cheese and butter. Season polenta to taste with pepper.
25 min
- 4.
Spoon enough polenta into muffin cups to cover tomatoes and fill cups. Using wet fingertips, press polenta firmly to compact. Cover pans with waxed paper; let stand until polenta is firmly set, at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
30 min
- 5.
Cut around each tartlet to loosen. Turn over muffin pans, releasing tartlets. Arrange, tomato side up, on platter. Top each with dollop of basil mayonnaise. Serve, passing remaining mayonnaise.
15 min
- 6.
*Sold at Italian markets, natural foods stores, and some supermarkets. If unavailable, substitute an equal amount of regular yellow cornmeal, and cook mixture for about half the time.
