Polenta cornmeal

Chef Dmitry Gusarov shared the recipe from the Kalabasa restaurant menu with us.

Corn semolina is a soulful pastry with a rich history rooted in Russian cuisine. Once, corn flour was an affordable alternative to wheat flour, and housewives used it to prepare simple yet surprisingly delicious dishes. Corn flour semolina has a tender, slightly crumbly texture and a light sweet taste with subtle vanilla notes. Its preparation is a slow process that requires time for the flour to swell, making the dough soft and airy. Baked to a golden crust, semolina pairs perfectly with hot tea or fresh berries. It is great as an independent dessert or as a base for cheese creams or jams. Cozy, homely, and incredibly fragrant — corn semolina brings the taste of childhood and the warmth of the family hearth.

Polenta with mushroom sauce is the embodiment of Italian simplicity and sophistication. The dish's origins date back centuries when cornmeal became a staple for peasants. Today, polenta is an integral part of Italy's gastronomic art. Its velvety texture and gentle, slightly sweet flavor pair wonderfully with the rich mushroom sauce. Mushrooms sautéed with onions release their aroma, while the addition of spices and soy sauce enhances the depth of flavor. The thick, silky sauce envelops pieces of chilled polenta, creating a harmony of textures. This dish is suitable for both a casual lunch and an exquisite dinner, complemented by a glass of wine and fresh herbs.

Polenta with roasted cherry tomatoes is the embodiment of Italian simplicity and refined taste. Its roots go back centuries when cornmeal became the foundation of peasant cuisine in Northern Italy. The delicate, creamy polenta enriched with Parmesan gains softness and depth of flavor. Roasted cherry tomatoes fill the dish with sweetness and rich aroma, complemented by balsamic sauce and fresh herbs. Light caramelization during roasting makes them the perfect accompaniment to crispy, slightly toasted polenta. Goat cheese adds zest while basil brings freshness. This dish is perfect as a standalone appetizer or a side for meat and fish and will also adorn a festive table. A true delight for Mediterranean cuisine lovers!

Sweet potato biscuits are an exquisite dessert of European cuisine that surprises with their tenderness and subtle flavor. Sweet potato adds softness and natural sweetness to the dough, while maple syrup enhances the caramel notes. Pecan nuts add a light crunch, creating a harmonious blend of textures. Historically, sweet potato has been used in various cultures as a baking base due to its nutritional properties. These biscuits are perfect for breakfast or a light snack and can be served with warm tea or coffee. Butter makes the dough crumbly, while cornmeal adds depth of flavor. They are easy to prepare but the result is impressive – airy, fragrant, and rich. They can be garnished with extra syrup or nuts for aesthetics and even greater culinary sophistication.

Strawberry cupcakes with polenta are a delicate blend of classic European baking with Italian notes of cornmeal. Polenta gives the cupcakes an amazing texture—soft inside but with a slight graininess that reveals the rich flavor of butter and fresh strawberries. The origins of this recipe trace back to Mediterranean culinary traditions where cornmeal is widely used for baking. The sweet-tart aroma of lemon zest complements the berry sweetness, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The glaze made from strawberry puree and powdered sugar adds a gentle fruity aftertaste to the dessert, while decorating with fresh berries turns the cupcakes into a true festive treat. An ideal choice for tea time, cozy gatherings, or as an elegant dessert that brings joy with every bite.

Polenta with tomato sauce and basil is a vibrant reflection of sunny Italian cuisine, traditionally popular in northern Italy. Tender, golden polenta infused with the aromas of sun-dried tomatoes gains a light sweetness and rich flavor. Grilled polenta patties create a crispy texture that perfectly contrasts with the silky tomato sauce. Fresh tomatoes sautéed with garlic, thyme, and capers fill the dish with Mediterranean warmth, while basil adds freshness and zest at the end. This dish is perfect as a light snack on its own or as an accompaniment to meat and fish. Polenta with tomato sauce is not just food; it's a true culinary journey to Italy.

Dulce de leche with polenta is an unusual yet delightful combination of traditional Latin sweetness and Italian polenta. Dulce de leche, caramelized condensed milk, is known for its creamy texture and rich milky flavor with a hint of caramel. Here it merges with a soft and creamy corn base, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and slight graininess. Historically, dulce de leche spread across Latin America and became a staple in many desserts. Polenta adds lightness and textural variety to the dish. Served warm with a thick, aromatic sauce that envelops the corn cake, it transforms into a true delight. This dish is perfect for cozy evenings and celebrations when you want to try something unusual yet deeply comforting.

Polenta cake with meringue and caramel is a delicate, airy dessert that combines the silky texture of cornmeal, the sweetness of caramel, and the lightness of meringue. Polenta gives the baked good a special crumbly texture, while rum syrup makes it moist and aromatic. Orange syrup adds refreshing citrus notes to balance the sweetness, and the caramel glaze and decorations turn the cake into a true masterpiece. This recipe is inspired by European culinary traditions that value complex layered flavors and elegant presentation. The dessert is perfect for festive occasions, impressing guests with its harmony of flavors and exquisite appearance. Serving it with berries and mint makes it even more refreshing and celebratory.

Sweet polenta with dried apricots and raisins is a delicate and aromatic dish that combines Italian traditions with Eastern sweetness. Polenta, a staple of Italian cuisine, has historically been used as a nutritious and simple dish. In this recipe, it takes on a sweet note thanks to the dried apricots, raisins, and maple syrup. The tender texture of hot polenta shifts to density after cooling, transforming into an appetizing pie. The light caramel sweetness of the syrup beautifully complements the softness of the fruits. This dish is not only hearty but also convenient for storage—it can be served warm or chilled. Sweet polenta will make an exquisite dessert for a family dinner or cozy tea time.