Saturday, July 17, 2010

Roasted Tomatillo Soup with Polenta Croutons

Last week I was knee dip in thawing out my freezer.  I actually had a better handle on my frozen stuff then I thought.  I have it all organized and was glad to know that all the vegetables I put up last year are nearly gone- just in time for the new, fresh batch. That's good news.

I did find some things that I did not realize were in my freezer- one being this tomatillo salsa that I made last summer. I used it to make this soup.  If you do not have tomatillo salsa you could make this recipe with some fresh tomatillos.  It was delicious but WAY too hot.  I must have put a ton of jalapenos in there 'cause -  ooooooeeey- it was hot.

Polenta Croutons
Make the polenta the day before.
I used the vegetable bouillon that I had already made as my broth for the polenta.

6 cups vegetable broth or whatever broth you like
1 3/4 cups polenta (I used Bob's Red Mill Polenta) you can also use coarsely ground corn meal
pinch of salt

Spray a 13 x 9 pan with cooking spray. Set aside. You will have enough to have a few cups of polenta for dinner.

In a stock pot bring the broth to a boil, slowly whisk in the polenta and then keep stirring. If you dont want lumps add it slowly and keep stirring. Pour into the prepared pan.

When firm cut into crouton bits and toast in the oven for crispiness. You can make polenta fries with it as well.

Roasted Tomatillo Soup with Polenta Croutons

3 cups tomatillo salsa (recipe follows)
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups corn
1 cup cooked, diced chicken
sour cream (stirred in when serving)

Combine salsa and broth, bring to a boil.  Add chicken and corn. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Tomatillo Salsa

6 tomatillos, papery shell removed
1 Spanish onion
1 jalapeno (or more)
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup cilantro

Boil or roast tomatillos until tender. If you boil them drain the liquid. In a food processor or blender whirl all the ingredients together starting with cilantro and garlic, then add onion, jalapeno, and tomatillos.

9 comments:

chow and chatter said...

oh wow what a fab soup and how cool to make polenta croutons

Ingrid_3Bs said...

OOoooooeyy? :) YOu're so cute!

You having a good summer? Despite the serious heat? Hope so!
~ingrid

grace said...

too hot for most people is perfect for me. :)
polenta croutons are a great idea!

kat said...

What a good use of salsa! Now I know what to do when Matt makes it too hot for me.

Mary Bergfeld said...

I like the recipe and the idea of polenta crouton is inspired. Your photos get better and better, Lori. May I ask what type of camera you are using? I hope the day treats you well. Blessings...Mary

Lori said...

Thank you Mary- I have a Nikon D3000. I use to use a Nikon Cool Pix before. Around Christmas this past year I bought the Nikon (lots of saving involved). I am just getting use to the ins and outs of the camera. I have also been experimenting with different windows at different times of the day for light. A work in progress.

Mimi said...

Bring on the heat! Looks delicious.
Mimi

Murasaki Shikibu said...

I've seen tomatillos around here but there aren't any right now. Next time I see them I think I'll try making this. :)

Murasaki Shikibu said...

I've seen tomatillos around here but there aren't any right now. Next time I see them I think I'll try making this. :)