Fried Polenta with Sweet Garlic Greens

Golden, crispy, and irresistibly savory, Fried Polenta with Sweet Garlic Greens is the perfect fusion of texture and flavor for a wholesome vegetarian delight. This dish features creamy parmesan-infused polenta, fried to crunchy perfection, and paired with tender kale or Swiss chard sautéed in fragrant garlic oil. A touch of honey and a squeeze of zesty lemon juice elevate the greens with a hint of sweetness and brightness, while optional red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick. Perfect as a comforting side or a satisfying main course, this recipe is easy to prepare yet impressively elegant. Ready in under an hour, it highlights simple ingredients with gourmet flair, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup instant polenta
• 4 cups water
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 4 cups kale or Swiss chard, stems removed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the polenta. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta, reducing heat to low. Continue whisking to prevent lumps.

Step 2

Cook the polenta for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Season with 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 3

Pour the cooked polenta into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Let it cool for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate until firm.

Step 4

Once the polenta is firm, cut it into squares, rectangles, or triangles, depending on your preference.

Step 5

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the polenta pieces in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 6

Make the sweet garlic greens. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the chopped kale or Swiss chard to the skillet, stirring to coat the greens in the garlic oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the greens have wilted.

Step 8

Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 0.25 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors. Season with salt to taste.

Step 9

Serve the fried polenta on a platter topped with the sweet garlic greens. Enjoy immediately as a comforting side dish or vegetarian main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1736.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1291.6

Total Fat 96.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 102mg	0%
Sodium 3211.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 88.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.6g	0%
Total Sugars 20.5g
Protein 36.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1061.9mg	0%
Iron 7.9mg	0%
Potassium 1832.2mg	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: 63.3%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 26.0%