Raptor Sunrise Polenta Stacks with Black-Sesame Drip

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Ingredients

• 1 smallRed onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cupFresh strawberries, quartered
• 3 tablespoonsDill pickle brine
• 18 ounces, cut into 8 roundsPrepared polenta tube
• 3 tablespoons, dividedOlive oil
• 1 poundGround turkey
• 1/2 medium bananaRipe banana, mashed
• 2 clovesGarlic, finely grated
• 1 tablespoonDijon mustard
• 1/2 cupCornflakes, finely crushed
• 1 teaspoon, dividedKosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoonBlack pepper
• 3 tablespoonsBlack tahini
• 1/4 cupStrong brewed espresso
• 2 tablespoonsMaple syrup
• 1 tablespoonSoy sauce
• 1 teaspoonUnsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 largeEggs
• 1 tablespoonUnsalted butter
• 2 tablespoonsFresh chives, chopped

MAKE IT

Method

1. 01

   Spread the sliced onion on a plate and freeze it for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toss the strawberries with the pickle brine and let them contemplate their sudden promotion to condiment.

2. 02

   Mix the turkey, banana, garlic, mustard, crushed cornflakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Shape the mixture into eight small three-toed dinosaur-footprint patties. Press each one firmly until emotionally stable.

3. 03

   Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey footprints for 4–5 minutes per side, commanding them to brown deeply, until their centers reach 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a clean plate.

4. 04

   Pat the chilled onion thoroughly dry. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and fry the onion over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes until crisp at the edges. Freezing first gives it unnecessary drama and excellent texture.

5. 05

   In a small saucepan, whisk together the black tahini, espresso, maple syrup, soy sauce, and cocoa. Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes until glossy and pourable. This is the edible car-oil drip; automotive fluids remain banished from the kitchen.

6. 06

   Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Slap the polenta rounds dry with paper towels, then fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

7. 07

   Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and cook until the whites are completely set, covering the pan briefly if needed. Keep the yolks soft only if appropriate for those being served.

8. 08

   Build each five-star monument with two polenta rounds, two turkey footprints, one fried egg, fried onion, and strawberry pickles. Drown strategically in black-sesame drip, scatter with chives, and serve before the raptor escapes.