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

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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
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Onion, chopped

each

Lacinato Kale, stemmed and chopped

0 oz

White Beans, rinsed

0 oz

Table Salt

teaspoons

Garlic Clove, minced

each

Instant Polenta

cups

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, torn into 1-inch pieces

0 oz

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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