Baked Polenta

Baked Polenta is a comforting and hearty dish featuring creamy cornmeal baked to perfection, topped with a savory mix of vegetables and cheese. This vegetarian delight is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• Polenta - 1 cup (240 ml)
• Water - 3 cups (720 ml)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Spinach - 1 cup (30 g), fresh
• Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup (50 g), grated
• Salt - 1 teaspoon (5 g)
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon (2 g)
• Dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon (1 g)
• Fresh basil - 1 tablespoon (5 g), chopped (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the polenta and reduce the heat to low, whisking continuously until the polenta thickens, about 5 minutes.
3. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Pour the polenta into a greased 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish and spread evenly. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
4. In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the spinach and dried oregano, cooking until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Spread the vegetable mixture evenly over the cooled polenta. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
8. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 58 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.72 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in whole grains, providing essential nutrients and fiber.
• Contains a variety of vegetables, offering vitamins and antioxidants.

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