Ingredients

  • 1 large red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons EVOO
  • 8 ounces bulk hot Italian sausage or 5 ounces coarsely grated Calabrese salami
  • 4 ounces pancetta, finely diced
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 mild or 2 hot fresh red chile peppers, seeded and very finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 sprig fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 4 to 5 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup quick-cooking polenta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup grated pecorino, plus more for serving
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Method

  • Roast the bell pepper over a gas flame, turning with tongs, or broil until the skin is blackened.
  • Transfer to a bowl, cover and let cool.
  • Peel, seed and chop the pepper.
  • Heat the EVOO in a Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the sausage and pancetta and cook until well browned.
  • Add the ground pork, thyme, fennel seeds, garlic, chile peppers, onions, oregano and roasted red peppers and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  • Deglaze with the wine, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
  • Add 2 to 3 cups chicken stock and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  • Bring 2 cups chicken stock and the milk to a low boil in a saucepan.
  • Whisk in the polenta and cook, whisking, until thick but pourable, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • Add the butter and then the cheese, stirring until melted.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Ladle the polenta into shallow bowls and hollow out the center.
  • Fill with the chili and top with more cheese.
  • Garnish with parsley.
  • Cook's Note: The chili can be covered and refrigerated for a make-ahead meal.
  • Reheat over medium heat, and prepare the polenta before serving.