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    Tuscan-Style Polenta with White Beans, Kale, and Mozzarella

    clock-icon40 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A comforting Tuscan-style dish featuring creamy polenta topped with a hearty mix of kale, white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.

    Ingredients for Tuscan-Style Polenta with White Beans, Kale, and Mozzarella

    units in
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    units in
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    serves
    4 peoplechevron
    serves
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    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Onion, chopped

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lacinato Kale, stemmed and chopped

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    White Beans, rinsed

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Table Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, minced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Red Pepper Flakes

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chicken Stock

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Instant Polenta

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, torn into 1-inch pieces

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Tuscan-Style Polenta with White Beans, Kale, and Mozzarella

    1. Cook onions

    Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.

    2. Cook kale, beans, and tomatoes

    Stir in the chopped kale, rinsed white beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and 0.75 teaspoon of salt. Let this mixture cook for 8-10 minutes until the kale becomes tender and the sauce thickens.

    3. Prepare garlic-infused oil

    In a large saucepan, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes until the garlic turns a straw color and becomes fragrant.

    4. Make polenta

    Pour the broth into the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, whisk in the polenta and the remaining 0.25 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, whisking continuously, until the polenta thickens into a creamy consistency.

    5. Assemble and serve

    Season the polenta with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the creamy polenta among four serving bowls, then top each with the kale and bean mixture. Tear the fresh mozzarella into 1-inch pieces and scatter them over the top. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over each bowl and sprinkle with extra red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve immediately.

    Variations

    Protein Variations

    Chickpeas or Lentils, or Sausage or Bacon for a non-vegetarian option.

    Base Variations

    Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Grain Bowl with cooked farro, quinoa, or brown rice.

    Change the Beans

    Instead of white beans, try using chickpeas for a firmer texture or lentils for a quicker cooking option. If you opt for lentils, French green lentils would hold their shape well and offer a slightly peppery taste.

    Flavor Enhancers Variations

    Tomato Sauce, Pesto, or Spicy Chili Oil.

    Protein Boost

    For a non-vegetarian twist, add crispy pancetta, chorizo, or crumbled Italian sausage to the bean and kale mixture, giving the dish a hearty protein boost and a new layer of flavor.


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