Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Creamed Polenta with White Beans and Spinach

Recipe and Image from http://www.makeandtakes.com/creamed-polenta-with-white-beans-and-spinach


Creamed Polenta with White Beans and Spinach
adapted from delightful delicacies
makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
For polenta:
4 cups water, plus more if necessary (can use 2 cups milk for part of the water)
1 cup instant polenta* (just use corn meal)
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp. butter, or olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan or romano cheese
2-4 Tbsp.  heavy cream
For white beans:
2 cups cooked (or canned) white beans, drained
1-2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 Tbsp. chopped black olives (about 8 large)
1 Tbsp. oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds (optional)
1/4 tsp. each: dried rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano
red pepper flakes, to taste
salt and pepper
2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (kale, chard, or collards)
Water
Heather's note: THIS NEEDS BACON! Crumble some on top and you'll be happy you did.
Instructions:
For polenta:
Bring the water (and any milk, if using) to a simmer in a 3 quart saucepan or pot. Add the salt and slowly whisk in the polenta. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened and starts coming away from the side. (If you like a thinner, soupier polenta, add more water or extra milk.)
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the butter, nutritional yeast or cheese, coconut or heavy cream, and taste. Add more salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm until ready to serve.
For beans:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet and add the onion. Cook over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until the onion starts to turn golden. Add the olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fennel seeds, and dried herbs. Continue cooking for a few minutes until onions are completely cooked and the flavors have melded. Add the beans and bring to a simmer. If the skillet is too dry, add a little water. Right before serving, remove the skillet from the heat and add the spinach. (You don’t want to overcook the spinach, just wilt it. If you’re using another heartier green, then cook for a few minutes until the greens are tender.)
To serve:
Spoon some of the polenta into a shallow bowl. Top with the beans and spinach. Serve hot.

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