Chicken, Polenta, and Red Pepper Ragoût

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Halve leek lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. In a bowl of cold water wash leek well and with a slotted spoon transfer to a sieve to drain. Chop onion and cut bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. Mince garlic.

   Step 2

   In a 12-inch non-stick skillet cook leek, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and pepper is tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a bowl. Pat chicken dry and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick strips. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cut polenta into 3/4-inch cubes.

   Step 3

   In skillet heat remaining tablespoon oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté chicken, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add polenta and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute.

   Step 4

   Stir in cooked vegetables, tomatoes, thyme, and parsley and simmer, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Season ragout with salt and pepper.