Escabèche of Mushrooms with Polenta

• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 6 1/2 cups water
2. 3 teaspoons salt
3. 1 1/3 cups coarse or medium cornmeal
4. 2 tablespoons butter
5. 3 tablespoons olive oil
6. 1 red onion, sliced
7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
8. 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with their juice (from one 15-ounce can)
9. 2 tablespoons cider or wine vinegar
10. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11. 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, sliced
12. 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
13. 1/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced
14. 1/2 pound red cabbage (about 1/4 head), shredded (about 2 cups)
15. 1 cup chopped cilantro

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 41/2 cups of the water and 1 teaspoon of the salt to a boil. Add the cornmeal in a slow stream, whisking. Whisk in the butter. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the polenta is very thick, about 20 minutes. Cover to keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, in a large deep frying pan, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, oregano, and jalapeño. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
3. Add all the mushrooms, the cabbage, and 1 cup of the water to the pan. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to moderately low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Add the remaining 1 cup water and 2 teaspoons salt and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes more. Stir in the cilantro and serve over the polenta.