INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup chopped pancetta (3 oz.)or bacon
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 1 cup polenta
  • salt & freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a 2 1/2- to 3-quart pan over medium-high heat, stir pancetta in olive oil until crisp and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
  2. With a slotted spoon, transfer half the pancetta to paper towels to drain.
  3. Add chopped sage to pan and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Cook polenta according to package directions. Add salt and fresh-ground pepper to taste (omit butter).
  5. Ladle polenta into bowls and top with reserved pancetta.