Busy, busy busy. I’ve been busy.
Blogging about food, fun as it is, but doesn’t pay the bills so work comes first I’m afraid. Getting back late every night means sticking to tried and trusted faithfuls for me and so I had nothing particularly blogable (some may say I don’t anyway 😉 ).
I did however have a hankering for a shepherd’s/cottage pie midweek and some lovely leftover venison from the roast I made on Sunday. A plan was forming. I remembered a very nice dish of braised venison at an Italian restaurant recently and thought about varying the theme a bit. I had some sweet potatoes left over and, brilliantly, I thought to myself, some polenta.
I made a simple, but rich stew from the left over venison. I didn’t make it from a recipe, nor did I make a note of any quantities, but it was a standard affair of red wine, mirepoix and beef stock, with added diced swede and baby carrots. I actually made it the night before I used it, it’s always better that way.
I made two cottage pies (as I suppose they must be) one topped with mashed sweet potato, the other with a fairly wet polenta.
The sweet potato was simply mashed with butter and some thyme, but to the polenta I added some taleggio cheese. I used a couple of bread tins to split the venison and topped each with the polenta and sweet potato respectively.
To both, I scattered on the grated end of a block of parmesan. It really was a great way to use up the fridge contents. I baked them at 180C, or 350F for about 20 minutes and turned on the oven grill element for the last ten to get a nice crust.
They were both very good, I preferred the polenta which I thought was a bit of a triumph to be honest, but then, I really like polenta….
Food, Frankly 
Your posts are really helpful for my vegetarian month ……
Sorry Rew, this must be like a ‘top-shelf’ publication for you at the moment 😉
Both topping ideas look fab, the combination of polenta and taleggio would be a big winner for me. Will give this a go next time I mince some venison. Know what you mean about too busy to blog, I’m struggling at the moment, but can’t complain as I have been grazing my way round London these last few days 🙂
Definitely the polenta one! Thanks. You’re so lucky eating your way around London, so much choice, will have to get back down there soon!
I’ve never ventured into the world of polenta. It always reminds me of porridge. Perhaps I should give it a try?
It’s not everyone’s cut of tea, my wife isn’t so keen, but I love it. Give it a go I say!
Quite right. Give it a go I shall. 🙂
In the realm of porridge, I adore polenta (aka grits or coarse cornmeal mush) for breakfast with a generous glop of jam and butter. There are those who prefer bacon and cheese…
Sounds very interesting! 🙂
Never tried it with sweet additions – I must rectify that!
This looks perfect especially as I’ve been eating junk all day
To be fair, so have I. This was ‘one I made earlier’ 😉
Definitely the sweet potato one for me! And I love the idea of using venison in the cottage pie.
Thanks! It really works for me – nice and lean. Been eating a lot of it lately though, time for some fish!
That polenta pie sounds great 🙂
Cheers MD, it was better than I thought. Think I’ll do this again with variations….
I’m with MD. The polenta gets my vote. However, I am in a minority of one here in this house.
Same as me then which is a shame as, I’m very fond of it!