Tomato and Grilled Polenta Stacks with Basil Sauce

Name: Tomato and Grilled Polenta Stacks with Basil Sauce
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups cold water; 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal (preferably stone-ground); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 small (2 1/2-inch-wide) tomatoes; 1 1/2 oz smoked mozzarella, coarsely grated (1/3 cup); 1 cup fresh basil; 2 tablespoons water; 1 small garlic clove; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil; Pinch of sugar; a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter

A little bit of smoked mozzarella goes a long way in boosting flavor without adding much fat. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 hr

August 20, 2004

Cooks' note:

• You can use a lightly oiled hot nonstick ridged grill pan to cook the polenta rounds. Grill time may be a little shorter.

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