Polenta, or cornmeal, is made from dried corn kernels that have been ground into fine, medium and coarse textures. It is cooked to a thick and moist consistency and either served hot - right out of the cooking pot - or cooled in a baking pan and cut into triangles. Here it is cooked with cheese to give it added flavor. The simple act of roasting peppers for the puree spread gives them a sweet, smoky taste - just right for mild-tasting polenta.
Food as Medicine: Red peppers are rich sources of lycopene, a carotenoid that may help reduce the risk of cancers of the prostate, bladder, cervix and pancreas.
