Polenta toasts with tuna mousse in star shape are a simple and tasty appetizer with a touch of elegance, ideal for the holiday table.
The star shape is perfect for starting a special lunch or dinner for the Christmas menu, but different shapes also work well for any occasion and for a buffet!
The neutral flavor of polenta pairs well with the fresh and delicate taste of tuna mousse, a quick cream that is prepared in just a few minutes.
Note down this very simple recipe to make, whether you have leftover polenta or you might need to make it specifically, this appetizer will make a great impression on your guests.
Now let’s see how to prepare them, but then take a look at these variations!
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- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 9-10
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Christmas
Ingredients for the Polenta Toasts
- 1 qt water
- 250 g instant polenta
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 30 g Grana Padano DOP (grated)
- 160 g tuna in oil
- 4 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 tbsp pickled capers
- 1 sprig parsley
Tools
- 1 Pot
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Baking Paper
- 1 Baking Tray
- 1 Oven
- 1 Cookie Cutter ( star-shaped )
- 1 Blender
- 1 Piping Bag
- 1 Star Tip
Steps for the Polenta Toasts
In a pot, bring water to a boil, add salt, and then slowly pour in the polenta while stirring with a whisk to prevent lumps. Cook on low heat for about 3-4 minutes.
Once the polenta has thickened, add the olive oil and grated Grana Padano, mix well, and then pour it onto a baking tray lined with baking paper, level, and let it cool.When the polenta is cold and firm, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper, and let them brown for a few minutes in the oven under the grill, or grill them on a hot grill.
Drain the capers from the vinegar, or from soaking in water if you choose the salted ones to desalinate, also drain the tuna in oil.
Place the ingredients in the blender container, also add the cream cheese, then pulse the button intermittently for a few minutes until you get the consistency of a mousse.
Transfer the mousse to a piping bag with a star tip and decorate the polenta stars with dollops of mousse.
Garnish with capers and parsley leaves.
Advice and Variations
Polenta toasts with tuna mousse can be served either warm or cold!
It’s a light, tasty preparation, perfect even in mini versions for appetizers or buffets also in different shapes.
Polenta toasts with tuna mousse can be served either warm or cold!
It’s a light, tasty preparation, perfect even in mini versions for appetizers or buffets also in different shapes.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What can I substitute for tuna in the mousse?
You can substitute it with smoked salmon, shrimp, or with cooked ham or mortadella.
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