6-Minute Egg on Creamy Polenta With Crispy Serrano Ham

Submitted by Chuck Hughes

"Whip up a picture perfect soft boiled egg atop creamy polenta and crisp Serrano ham. Recipe courtesy Chuck Hughes"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 8 slices serrano ham

• Eggs

• 4 eggs
• 2 bunches kale
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 lemon, juice of
• salt & freshly ground black pepper

• Soft Polenta

• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups milk
• 3 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup freshly grated asiago cheese
• salt & freshly ground black pepper

directions

1. Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F.
2. On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, arrange the slices of ham and cover with another piece of parchment paper and another baking tray on top. This technique will ensure the Serrano stays flat while it cooks. Bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from oven and set aside on paper towel.

3. For the polenta:

4. In a heavy saucepan, combine the stock and milk. Add the cilantro and garlic and bring to a boil. Let simmer on medium heat for 2 minutes to flavor the mixture. Remove the cilantro and garlic. Whisk in the cornmeal and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often with a wooden spoon until the grains are soft. Fold in the Asiago cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm and covered.

5. For the egg:

6. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil and drop in the eggs for 6 minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, run under cold water to shock the eggs and reserve. Before serving, rattle them around to crack the shell and peel them.
7. In the same saucepan containing boiling water, cook the kale for 1 minute. Drain and reserve in an ice bath. In a saucepan on medium heat melt the butter. Squeeze out the excess liquid from the kale with your hands, chop it in half. Saute the kale with lemon juice for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

8. For serving:

9. Place a large spoon of polenta on each plate. Top with the kale, a soft boiled egg and garnish with more grated Asiago cheese and 2 slices of Serrano ham. Serve immediately. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or stock, cover the dish, and reheat in the microwave or over low heat. Whisk well before serving. Grate a dusting of Parmesan or other favored cheese over the top just before serving.

10. Cook's Note:

11. The polenta can be made ahead and reheated.