SOFT POLENTA WITH BROCCOLI

I do realise I have gone on a marathon of broccoli lately but it is widely available at the moment and it is tasting good. Polenta is a wonderful option and pretty much goes with anything you put with it. I love to add lashings of butter and cheese and as you can imagine when served with broccoli it makes for a humbling dinner.

Serves 4

For the polenta

1.5 litres water or vegetable stock

700g polenta (instant)

Salt and freshly ground pepper

60g parmesan cheese, finely grated, plus extra for serving

30g butter, cubed

50g olives, stoned and roughly chopped

6 sprigs fresh thyme leaves

For the broccoli

500g broccoli, cut into long florets

1-2 Tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely sliced

Pinch chilli flakes

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Method

Begin by placing one large heavy based pot on with 1.5 litres water or stock on for the polenta and you will need another pot of water on for blanching the broccoli.

Begin by getting all your preparation done such as cutting the broccoli, grating your cheese etc and set aside.

When you have all your preparation done. Begin by blanching your broccoli. When the water is boiling plunge in the broccoli and cook until tender (3-5 minutes). Drain and refresh immediately under cold running water, drain and set aside.

Now onto the polenta. When the water or stock is boiling, gradually add the polenta while whisking or stirring vigorously until all the polenta is added. Turn down the heat to low and continue to stir, this will bubble so do take care. Season well with salt and pepper.

In a fry pan add the oil, garlic and chilli flakes and cook until lightly golden, add the broccoli and a dash of water saute until warmed through, season lightly.

Finish the polenta with the butter and parmesan cheese and stir until mixed through, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Serve on warmed plates with the juicy broccoli on top and drizzle over any oil and garlic that is left. Serve with more parmesan cheese and eat immediately.