Balsamic Beef with Polenta

1 (2lb /1kg) beef tenderloin roast (1)

2 Tbsp aged balsamic vinegar (30 mL)

3 Tbsp porcini dust (see tip) (30 mL)

1 tsp smoked paprika (5 mL)

1/2 tsp garlic (2 mL)

1/2 tsp onion powder (2 mL)

1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper (1 mL)

1 Tbsp canola oil (15 mL)

1 onion, thinly sliced (1)

1 zucchini, thinly sliced (1)

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (1)

1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced (1)

1 tsp Italian seasoning (5 mL)

8 cups no salt added beef broth (2L)

1 1/4 cups fine cornmeal (310 mL)

1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese (75 mL)

Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Extra virgin canola oil (optional)
1. Brush tenderloin evenly all over with vinegar.
2. In a shallow dish or small baking sheet, combine porcini dust, paprika, salt, garlic and onion powder and pepper. Roll tenderloin roast in spices to coat all over. Place on rack in roasting pan.
3. Place roast in preheated 500°F (260°C) oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 275°F (135°C) and roast for about 45 minutes or until meat thermometer reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium rare. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Meanwhile, in a large deep saucepan, over medium-high heat, heat canola oil. Add onion, zucchini, red and yellow peppers with Italian seasoning and sauté for 5 minutes or until the veggies begin to brown. Remove mixture onto a plate. Add broth to same pan and bring to a boil. Whisk in cornmeal until starting to thicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and using a wooden spoon stir polenta occasionally for about 7 minutes or until thickened. Stir in sautéed vegetables and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in blue cheese and remove from heat.
5. Ladle polenta into shallow bowls and top with sliced beef. Sprinkle with basil and drizzle with canola oil, if using to serve.
Tips: To make porcini dust, simply use dry porcini mushrooms and grind them finely in a spice or coffee grinder until they look like dust. This is a wonderful and easy way to add mushroom flavour to anything. Keep it in a dry sealed jar and use it as a new spice to any dishes with or without mushrooms! 1 pkg (0.5 oz/14 g) of dried porcini mushrooms will give you about 1/4 cup (60 mL) of porcini dust.

Aged balsamic vinegar is typically a bit thicker than regular balsamic vinegar and has a slightly sweeter flavour as well. It sticks well to the beef to help the spice mixture adhere to the roast.

If you have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully in the microwave or pan fry the polenta before topping it with the warmed or room temperature beef.