Creamy Polenta with Mixed Greens

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Indulge in the comforting, velvety richness of this Creamy Polenta with Mixed Greens, a perfect harmony of warm, cheesy polenta and vibrant sautéed greens. Crafted with creamy yellow cornmeal, milk, and a generous helping of Parmesan, this dish boasts a luscious texture that pairs effortlessly with the garlicky, lemon-kissed greens. The recipe highlights bold yet balanced flavors, with a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle spice and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this wholesome, gluten-free meal is an excellent choice for a quick yet elegant dinner. Serve it as a meatless main course or a versatile side dish for your favorite proteins. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality delight!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

12 items

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (polenta)
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, kale, Swiss chard)
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

📝 Instructions

8 steps

1. Pour 3 cups of water into a large saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reserve 1 cup of water for later use.

2. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the 1 cup of polenta gradually to prevent clumping.

3. Add the remaining 1 cup of water and 1 cup of milk gradually, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.

4. Stir in the unsalted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Continue to stir for another 2–3 minutes until the polenta becomes creamy. Remove from heat and keep warm.

5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

6. Add the mixed greens to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.

7. Season the greens with red pepper flakes, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to taste. Add the fresh lemon juice for brightness and stir well.

8. Serve the creamy polenta in shallow bowls and top with the sautéed mixed greens. Optional: garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (410.8g)

Calories		392
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		21.4 g	27%
	Saturated Fat	9.9 g	49%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		41 mg	14%
Sodium		882 mg	38%
Total Carbohydrate		37.4 g	14%
	Dietary Fiber	3.7 g	13%
	Total Sugars	3.7 g
Protein		14.8 g	30%
Vitamin D		0.9 mcg	4%
Calcium		371 mg	29%
Iron		1.6 mg	9%
Potassium		320 mg	7%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 767 cal (48.0%%)

Protein: 235 cal (14.7%%)

Carbs: 597 cal (37.3%%)