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Spinach Polenta Topped with Tomatoes

This polenta, chock-full of earthy spinach, contrasts beautifully in both flavor and color with the sweet-tart tomatoes. (See photo)

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

Spinach Polenta

2 cups water
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup polenta cornmeal (see page 177)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces fresh baby spinach

Fresh Tomato Topping

4 large tomatoes or 8 to 10 plum tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    To make the polenta: In a saucepan, bring the water, milk, and salt to a boil. Add the cornmeal in a slow, steady stream while whisking. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the polenta is thick.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, prepare the topping: Cut the tomatoes into wedges. In a saucepan on medium-low heat, cook the garlic in the oil for a minute. Add the tomatoes, salt, oregano, and vinegar and simmer for about 5 minutes, just until hot.

    Step 3

    When the polenta is thick, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth. Fold in the spinach, a couple of handfuls at a time, until just wilted.

    Step 4

    Serve the polenta hot, topped with the tomatoes and more cheese if you wish.

Cover of the cookbook Moosewood Simple Suppers with a red floral motif.
From Moosewood Restaurant Simple Suppers: Fresh Ideas for the Weeknight Table. Copyright © 2017 by Moosewood Collective. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC. Buy the full book from ThriftBooks or Amazon.
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