A comforting Tuscan-style dish featuring creamy polenta topped with a hearty mix of kale, white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
A comforting Tuscan-style dish featuring creamy polenta topped with a hearty mix of kale, white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
tablespoons
Onion, chopped
each
Lacinato Kale, stemmed and chopped
0 oz
White Beans, rinsed
0 oz
teaspoons
Garlic Clove, minced
each
teaspoons
cups
Instant Polenta
cups
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, torn into 1-inch pieces
0 oz
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.
Chickpeas or Lentils, or Sausage or Bacon for a non-vegetarian option.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Grain Bowl with cooked farro, quinoa, or brown rice.
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.
Tomato Sauce, Pesto, or Spicy Chili Oil.
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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