Best 6 Polenta With Braised Root Vegetables Recipes

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Polenta is a classic Italian dish made from cornmeal. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course. Polenta with braised root vegetables is a hearty, flavorful dish that is perfect for a winter meal. The root vegetables add a sweet and earthy flavor to the polenta, while the braising liquid infuses the dish with a rich, savory flavor. This dish is also very easy to make, and can be tailored to your own taste. For example, you can add different vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or parsnips. You can also add different herbs and spices to the braising liquid, such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

POLENTA WITH BRAISED ROOT VEGETABLES



Polenta With Braised Root Vegetables image

Start the polenta before you begin the braised vegetables. By the time the polenta is ready, you'll have a wonderful topping and a comforting winter meal.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 1h40m

Yield Serves four

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup polenta
1 scant teaspoon salt
4 cups water
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 to 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 pound kohlrabi, peeled and cut in small dice
1/2 pound carrots, peeled and cut in small dice
1 medium parsnip, peeled, cored and cut in small dice
1 large or 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice or crushed tomatoes
Pinch of sugar
Salt
freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter or oil a 2-quart baking dish. Combine the polenta, salt and water in the baking dish. Place in the oven on a baking sheet. Bake 50 minutes. Stir in the butter, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the polenta is soft and all of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in the cheese, if using.
  • While the polenta is baking, cook the vegetables. Heat the oil in a large, heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots, kohlrabi and parsnip, and then season with salt. Cook, stirring often, until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, and stir together for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes with their liquid, a pinch of sugar and salt to taste. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 15 minutes until the tomatoes are cooked down and fragrant. Add lots of freshly ground pepper, taste and adjust salt, and remove from the heat.
  • Serve the polenta with the vegetables spooned on top.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 292, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 53 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 1277 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams

ROASTED POLENTA WITH GARDEN VEGETABLES



Roasted Polenta with Garden Vegetables image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 cups chicken stock
4 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups polenta or cornmeal
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup finely shredded basil leaves
Softened butter for the pan
Olive oil, as needed
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper
2 red onions, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
2 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices on the diagonal
2 yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices on the diagonal
2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 pound asparagus, tough ends removed
1/2 pound mushrooms

Steps:

  • Make the Polenta: Bring the chicken stock, butter, pepper, and salt to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot. While whisking the hot stock in a quick circular motion, "rain" in the polenta by letting it stream through your fingers. (This will prevent lumping.)
  • Reduce the polenta to a gentle simmer; it must be stirred constantly for 25 to 35 minutes to prevent lumps or scorching. Be very careful when stirring, the mixture is very hot (think lava) and can burn you if it boils and sputters. If it begins to boil cover the pot and reduce the heat until boiling stops!
  • The polenta is cooked when it is no longer grainy and has become creamy. (My grandmother says good polenta takes 30 minutes, great polenta takes 1 hour).
  • Stir in the Parmesan and basil and pour onto a buttered sheet pan to cool. When cool, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Cut the polenta into any shape you desire that's structurally sound. In other words, a shape that won't fall apart on the grill easily, or be difficult to remove from the sheet pan after roasting. Squares, triangles, stars etc.
  • Make the Marinade and Vegetables: Whisk together the vinegar and garlic. While whisking, drizzle in the oil to make a smooth dressing. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Toss the vegetables with the marinade.
  • When ready to serve, preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan.
  • Brush the polenta lightly on both sides with olive oil and grill, turning once, until the edges are brown and crispy.
  • At the same time grill the vegetables until they are tender but still firm.
  • Pile the vegetables on top of the polenta, then stand back and wait for the applause!

CREAMY POLENTA WITH BRAISED GREENS AND POACHED EGGS



Creamy Polenta with Braised Greens and Poached Eggs image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/4 cup stemmed and finely chopped Tutto Calabria hot long red chile peppers, or hot cherry peppers
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1 cup whole milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup polenta or stone-ground yellow cornmeal
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 1/4 pounds mustard greens, ribs removed, leaves chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon white vinegar
4 eggs
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for serving

Steps:

  • Make the chile oil: Combine the chopped chiles, olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan over low heat and cook 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate up to 1 week. (You will have about 1 1/4 cups chile oil.)
  • Cook the polenta: Bring 3 cups cold water, the milk, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Gradually whisk in the polenta; whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring often, until tender and thickened but still creamy, about 30 minutes. Add more hot water as needed if the mixture seems too dry. Stir in the butter and cheese.
  • Meanwhile, make the braised greens: Heat the olive oil in a large high-sided saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the greens, season with salt and pepper and toss. Reduce the heat to medium, stir in 1 cup water, cover and cook until wilted and soft, about 20 minutes. Remove the lid during the last 5 minutes to cook off any additional liquid. Stir in the red wine vinegar just before serving.
  • Poach the eggs: Heat 3 cups water with the white vinegar until simmering in a large high-sided frying pan. Break each egg into a cup, then gently add to the water. Poach until the yolks are nearly set, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the eggs from the pan with a slotted spoon to drain the liquid and place on a plate. Season with salt and pepper.
  • To serve, spoon some of the polenta into bowls, top with some of the greens and a poached egg per bowl. Drizzle with the chile oil and garnish with the chopped parsley.

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES WITH POLENTA



Roasted Root Vegetables With Polenta image

In this comforting, perfect winter dinner I roast the vegetables and make the polenta in the oven at the same time. To accommodate the temperature requirements of each element of the dish, I use a slightly higher temperature than I usually use for polenta and I roast the vegetables at a lower temperature for longer. I top the polenta with a ladleful of marinara sauce, and spoon the vegetables on top. You could serve the polenta with only the roasted vegetables as well, so I have made the marinara sauce optional.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 large carrots (3/4 to 1 pound), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces (quarter at the fat ends, cut in half at the thin ends, then cut in thick slices)
1 large parsnip (about 1/2 pound), quartered, cored and cut in 3/4-inch pieces
1 medium-size fennel bulb, quartered, cored and cut in 3/4 inch pieces
1 medium or large red onion, cut in large dice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped fresh rosemary, thyme or sage, about 2 teaspoons (optional)
1 cup polenta
1 quart water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (optional but recommended)
1 batch marinara sauce (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan or a baking dish with parchment or foil. Toss vegetables with the olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh herbs if using. Spread vegetables in an even layer.
  • Combine polenta, water, and salt in a 2-quart baking dish and stir together. Place polenta and vegetables in the oven. If you can't fit both pans on the same (middle) rack, place vegetables on a lower rack. Roast vegetables for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or until soft and beginning to caramelize. Remove from the oven.
  • If serving this with marinara sauce, make the sauce while the vegetables and polenta are in the oven.
  • Continue to bake the polenta until it has been in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes and has absorbed the water. Remove from oven and stir in butter. Use a fork or a spatula to stir the polenta well, and return to oven for 5 to 10 more minutes. Remove from oven and stir again. Carefully taste a little bit of the polenta; if it is not completely soft, return to the oven for 5 to 10 more minutes.
  • Remove polenta from oven and stir in 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, if using. Immediately spoon polenta onto plates and make a depression in the middle. Ladle on some marinara sauce and top with a generous spoonful of roasted vegetables. Sprinkle on remaining Parmesan and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 264, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 38 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 859 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams

POLENTA WITH VEGETABLES



Polenta with Vegetables image

Categories     Cheese     Vegetable     Quick & Easy     High Fiber     Winter     Gourmet

Yield Serves 2 generously

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup water
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 small carrot, halved lengthwise and sliced thin crosswise
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
2 mushrooms, stems discarded and the mushrooms sliced thin
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
a pinch of dried hot red pepper flakes, or to taste

Steps:

  • In a 2-quart microwave-safe round glass casserole with a lid stir together the water, the broth, the cornmeal, the cream, and the salt and microwave the mixture, covered, at high power (100%), stirring every 2 minutes, for 6 minutes, or until the cornmeal is cooked but the mixture is still soft. In a small heavy skillet sauté the carrot, the onion, the mushrooms, and the garlic in the oil over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and golden, and stir into the polenta the vegetable mixture, the Parmesan, and the red pepper flakes.

POLENTA WITH GARDEN VEGETABLES



Polenta with Garden Vegetables image

Fresh green beans, bell pepper, mushrooms and summer squash are the perfect complements to golden pan-fried polenta in this 35-minute vegetarian dinner.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tube (16 ounces) refrigerated polenta, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1 small red onion, cut into thin wedges
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 pound green beans, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
1 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (4 ounces)
1 small yellow summer squash, cut lengthwise in half, then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ounce)

Steps:

  • Cook polenta as directed on package.
  • While polenta is cooking, heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion and garlic in oil 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.
  • Stir in green beans and bell pepper. Cover and cook over medium-low heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are crisp-tender. Stir in mushrooms, squash, fennel and salt. Cover and cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash is crisp-tender.
  • Serve polenta over vegetable mixture. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 630 mg

Tips:

  • Choose the right polenta: Coarse or fine polenta can be used for this recipe. Coarse polenta will have a more rustic texture, while fine polenta will be smoother.
  • Use fresh, seasonal vegetables: Root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips are all great choices for this dish. You can also add other vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or kale.
  • Braising is the key: Braising the vegetables in broth helps to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor. Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a little bit of bite to them.
  • Don't overcook the polenta: Polenta should be cooked until it is creamy and tender, but not mushy. If you overcook it, it will become gummy.
  • Serve immediately: Polenta with braised root vegetables is best served immediately. The polenta will start to thicken as it cools, so it's important to eat it while it's still hot and creamy.

Conclusion:

Polenta with braised root vegetables is a simple, yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a winter meal. The creamy polenta pairs perfectly with the tender, caramelized vegetables. This dish is also very versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give polenta with braised root vegetables a try.

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