World Recipe: Saltimbocca with Gratinated Polenta

29 Mar World Recipe: Saltimbocca with Gratinated Polenta

This version of saltimbocca, inspired by Paraguayan cuisine, blends European influences with simple, flavourful ingredients that are very close to Latin American tastes. Juicy meat, the aromatic touch of sage and polenta gratinated with cheese make this dish hearty and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 4 beef steaks (round or similar cut)
• 4 slices of cured ham
• 4 sage leaves
• 3 tomatoes
• 1 small glass of port wine
• 200 g polenta
• 400 ml milk
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 200 g mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

• Remove the seeds from the tomatoes and cut them into small cubes. Set aside.
• Prepare a thick polenta using the milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. Season with salt and pepper, pour into a buttered baking dish and let it cool. Cut into squares and reserve.
• Flatten the steaks and place one slice of ham and one sage leaf on each. Secure with a toothpick.
• In a hot pan, sauté the meat on the ham side until well browned. Turn and cook for one more minute. Remove and keep warm.
• Place the mozzarella slices on the polenta squares and bake until gratinated.
• In the same pan, add the tomatoes and port wine, letting it reduce slightly. Add the remaining butter and cook for one more minute.

Serve the steaks topped with the tomato sauce and accompany with the gratinated polenta.