Polenta with Pork and Beans Queso

 

Kyle said this is one of his favorites. Just sayin'. 

After 4 attempts at making it, I've finally simplified it, and it tastes better than ever.

There are just 2 components to this dish; the polenta with veggies, and the pork+beans Queso. 

Polenta with veggies serves 1 large portion, and the queso serves 8. Just remake the veggies on demand.

One is made in the oven, and the other is made in the microwave.

Ingredients for the polenta with veg:

• 1 zucchini 
• 1 bell pepper (any color)
• 3 tbsp Mezzetta Pickled Onions+ 3 tbsp brine
• 2 tbsp butter 
• 1/2 tube polenta
• 1/2 white onion

Ingredients for the Queso:

• 1 pound shredded cheese, like sharp cheddar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice 
• 1 tbsp chili powder 
• 1 tbsp garlic powder 
• 1 and 1/4 cup water (or broth from the pork)
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel

Add-in's for the Queso:

• 28 ounces canned Pork, like Keystone brand
• 1 bunch cilantro 
• 2 cans pinto beans (15.5 oz each)
• 1/2 cup Mezzetta Pickled Jalapeños.

Directions for the polenta with veggies:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a large baking sheet with nonstick foil.
2. Fold the edges of the foil up on each side about one inch, and pinch corners together to hold.
3. Rinse and dry the zucchini and bell pepper.
4. Trim the zucchini, then cut it in half, lengthwise, and cut it into 1/4 inch half moons.
5. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
6. Trim the bell pepper and de-core it. Dice it up.
7. Transfer it to the zucchini.
8. Trim the onion, and cut it in half. Cut 1/2 of it into dice sized pieces.
9. Transfer it to the bowl with the zucchini.
10. Cut the polenta in half lengthwise, then cut it in half again lengthwise. Then cut it into 1 inch pieces, crosswise.
11. Transfer it to the bowl with the zucchini.
12. Add the pickled onions and brine.
13. Melt butter in a bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir it up.
14. Pour butter over polenta with veggies, and toss to coat.
15. Pour polenta with veggies onto foil and spread it out evenly.
16. Bake for 15 minutes.
17. Stir, and bake again for 15 minutes.
18. Transfer to a large plate, and top with Pork+Beans Queso.

Directions for the pork+beans Queso:

1. Combine all ingredients, except for add-in's to a microwave safe 1.5 quart bowl, and stir well.
2. Microwave for 2 minutes at a time, stirring between nukes, until the cheese has completely melted and is no longer stringy. About 10 minutes.
3. While microwaving, drain the beans and rinse them in a colander.
4. Transfer to a 2.5 quart bowl.
5. Rinse, and trim the cilantro, and mince it. 
6. Add it to the beans.
7. Chop the pickled jalapeños.
8. Add it to the beans. 
9. Drain the pork, if you haven't already, and add the pork to the beans.
10. Top with Queso, and stir well.
11. Add 1.5 cups of  the Queso to the top of polenta with veggies. 
12. Reserve remaining queso for subsequent dinners.