Spinach Polenta with Balsamic Tomatoes

Creamy, comforting, and bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, Spinach Polenta with Balsamic Tomatoes is a wholesome dish that elevates simple ingredients to gourmet status. This vegetarian recipe combines velvety polenta, enriched with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, with a sweet-and-tangy topping of balsamic-glazed cherry tomatoes. The polenta is effortlessly cooked to perfection, while the tomatoes are caramelized in a garlic-infused balsamic reduction, creating a harmonious balance of richness and acidity. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a fragrant touch, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a sophisticated side. Quick to prep and deeply satisfying, it's a crowd-pleaser you’ll return to time and time again.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Coarse yellow cornmeal (polenta)
• 4 cups Water
• 3 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, ensuring no lumps form.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.

Step 3

While the polenta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to become glazed and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6

When the polenta is nearly done, stir in the chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the spinach has wilted and everything is well incorporated.

Step 7

Divide the spinach polenta among serving plates or bowls and top with the balsamic-glazed tomatoes.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1730.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1230.3

Total Fat 65.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 142mg	0%
Sodium 3927.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 121.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.0g	0%
Total Sugars 14.0g
Protein 49.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1206.5mg	0%
Iron 8.6mg	0%
Potassium 2006.5mg	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: 46.2%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 38.2%