Polenta Squares with Mushroom Ragu

Delight your taste buds with these golden, crispy polenta squares topped with a luxurious mushroom ragu—a comforting, elegant dish perfect for any occasion. The creamy polenta, infused with Parmesan and butter, is chilled, cut into squares, and pan-fried to perfection, creating a deliciously crisp exterior. The rich mushroom ragu, made with savory cremini mushrooms, a splash of dry white wine, and aromatic herbs like thyme and parsley, adds a deeply flavorful topping that elevates the dish to gourmet status. Ideal as a vegetarian main course or a hearty appetizer, this recipe combines rustic charm with refined flavors. Serve these polenta squares warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Polenta (cornmeal)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 12 ounces Cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 medium Shallot, minced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 cup Dry white wine
• 1 cup Vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 2

Gradually whisk in the polenta, reducing the heat to low. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 3

Cook the polenta for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The mixture should be thick and smooth.

Step 4

Once the polenta is done, stir in the unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until combined and creamy.

Step 5

Spread the polenta evenly into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6

While the polenta is chilling, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the minced shallot and garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 8

Add the chopped cremini mushrooms and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 9

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 10

Deglaze the skillet with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce for 3-4 minutes.

Step 11

Pour in the vegetable broth, add the fresh thyme, and season with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 12

Remove the polenta from the refrigerator and cut it into squares or rectangles.

Step 13

Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface and cook the polenta squares for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Step 14

To serve, place the warm polenta squares on a plate and spoon the mushroom ragu over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2249.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2092.0

Total Fat 82.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 142mg	0%
Sodium 5552.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 238.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.0g	0%
Total Sugars 19.5g
Protein 69.4g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1076.1mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 2995.9mg	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: 37.7%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 48.2%