Turkey and Porcini Meatballs with Rosemary and Polenta Recipe

In a small bowl, soak the porcini mushrooms in 1 cup of recently boiled water for 15 minutes. Once the mushrooms are reconstituted, finely chop and reserve the soaking water. Adjust oven rack to 6 inches below broiler element and preheat broiler to high.

In a large bowl, gently mix together half of the chopped porcini mushrooms, turkey, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano, 1 tablespoon rosemary, 2 tablespoons parsley, garlic, and olive oil until just combined. Roll the mixture into 12 equal-sized balls, and place on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Broil for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the remaining mushrooms and their liquid, rosemary stem, remaining parsley, and marinara sauce in a medium skillet over low heat. Place the broiled meatballs directly in the sauce, and simmer over medium-low heat until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has visibly reduced to the consistency of a thick ragú, 10 to 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring 5 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Whisk in polenta in a thin steady stream and cook, stirring constantly until creamy and hydrated. Whisk in 1 cup of Pecorino Romano and season to taste with salt. Serve polenta with meatballs and sauce.