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!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the 1 cup of polenta gradually to prevent clumping.

Step 3

Add the remaining 1 cup of water and 1 cup of milk gradually, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the mixed greens to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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

Serving size	(1721.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1853.2

Total Fat 85.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 164.0mg	0%
Sodium 3933.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 214.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.3g	0%
Total Sugars 15.1g
Protein 66.6g	0%

Vitamin D 107.4IU	0%
Calcium 1468.1mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 1452.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.7%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 45.3%