Mr.CBB’s Creamy Carbonara with Sausage and Cheese Polenta Bak
Normally we are thinking about frugal recipes for 2 that are quick easy recipes. This is a recipe I made last night for the both of us although it could be a frugal recipe for a family as it serves 6-8 people. I had a craving for creamy polenta and we had some sausages that needed using up. I wanted to make a baked polenta recipe so I could serve it casserole style.
Polenta is a staple of Northern Italy made from ground yellow or white corn and has had the germ removed. and an ingredient that has high nutritional value , cheap to buy and underutilized in the kitchen. It’s a great ingredient and one that vegans can also use to make polenta vegan pizza .
You can make all sorts of great meals with polenta just like this one I will share with you today. You can even make a cake with polenta! Check out this Polenta Cake recipe. YUM!
Give my recipe a try, use the freshest ingredients and no matter how you look at it this meal is still cheaper to eat in vs going out. Your budget and your tummy will thank you.
Polenta Nutritional Facts …..click Here to learn about polenta’s nutritional value.
Enjoy
Mr.CBB
Total Cost Approx $12.75 Feeds 6/8= $2.12 per Serving
Tools
- 11×7 Baking Dish (deep dish Rectangular)
- 2 Frying Pans
- Spatula
- Sauce Pot
Mr.CBB’s Creamy Pancetta Carbonara Sauce Cost $10.25
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 ounces pancetta cut into small pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh Ground Pepper
- ½ cup white wine
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 220 g white mushrooms sliced
- 3 medium onions sliced
- 500 ml cream
- ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1lb sausages
2. Add the bacon in the pan and cook until crispy.
3. In the bacon fat sauté the onions and garlic, cook until just browned, stir in the wine.
4. Slowly add in the cream stir for 2 minutes
5. Add chicken stock until blended, bring to a boil then reduce until sauce thickens
6. Add in the bacon bits and sausage chunks
7. Break eggs in bowl and blend together with pepper, salt and Parmigiano 
8. Gently add the egg mixture to the sauce stirring constantly
9. Add in the parsley and place the sauce on simmer for about 15-20 mins
The Base Cost $ 1.25
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup cake/pastry flour ( or all-purpose)
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
¼ teaspoon of paprika
Pinch of salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
In a bowl mix all the dry ingredients then add the wet ingredients and blend, it’s that simple! Pour the base into a well-greased 11×7 deep rectangular baking dish. Then pour the carbonara sauce all over the top. Place in a 350 degree oven for about 30-40 minutes or until browned. 
The Topping Cost $ 1.25
When the dish is bubbly and you see the cornmeal base has risen and browned add 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella, ½ cup grated cheddar. Put back in the oven for 2 minutes to melt.
NOTE: Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes or so before serving or it will be too loose to serve.
Serve with a side salad with a tangy dressing. We had fresh lettuce from our garden, cucumbers, fresh mint from the garden, olive oil, salt, pepper, freshly squeezed lemon and a clove of garlic for a dressing. It cleanses the palate nicely.
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