Crispy Lemon Herb Polenta with Spiced Tomato Relish

Ingredients

• 1 cup polenta
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (such as parsley and thyme)

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt

1. 01
   Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add salt and slowly whisk in the polenta. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the polenta thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 20-25 minutes.
2. 02
   Remove the polenta from heat and stir in olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. Pour the polenta into a greased baking dish and smooth the top. Let it cool and set for at least 15 minutes.
3. 03
   While the polenta sets, prepare the spiced tomato relish. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 04
   Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for another minute. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
5. 05
   Stir in the red wine vinegar and salt, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the relish cool slightly.
6. 06
   Once the polenta is set, cut it into squares or circles. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Fry the polenta pieces until golden and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. 07
   Serve the crispy polenta topped with the spiced tomato relish. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.