Creamy Polenta with Mixed Greens
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!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 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
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.
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the 1 cup of polenta gradually to prevent clumping.
Add the remaining 1 cup of water and 1 cup of milk gradually, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
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.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the mixed greens to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
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.
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
Calories |
1853 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.7 g | 110% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.9 g | 190% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 164 mg | 55% | |
| Sodium | 3933 mg | 171% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 214.5 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.3 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.1 g | ||
| Protein | 66.6 g | 133% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1468 mg | 113% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 1453 mg | 31% | |
*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.
