Polenta With Garlicky Greens Recipe

This creamy, dreamy polenta is topped with a vibrant sauté of swiss chard, plump raisins, and crunchy pine nuts—a flavor explosion in every bite! Inspired by a 1999 Good Housekeeping recipe, this vegetarian masterpiece is quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Choose between microwave or stovetop polenta cooking methods to suit your schedule.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 365.9 kcal
Protein 25g
Rating Be the first
Polenta With Garlicky Greens 39

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Polenta With Garlicky Greens

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How to Make Polenta With Garlicky Greens

  1. Cut off and discard the bottom 3 inches of swiss chard stems.
  2. Cut the remaining stems into 1/2-inch slices.
  3. Coarsely chop the leaves.
  4. Rinse and dry the stems and leaves separately.
  5. Place the stems and leaves in separate bowls.
  6. In a nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes over medium heat for about 2 minutes, or until garlic is lightly golden, stirring constantly.
  7. Increase heat to medium-high.
  8. Add the sliced chard stems to the skillet and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Gradually add the chard leaves and 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring until the leaves wilt.
  10. Stir in 1/3 cup water.
  11. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the stems and leaves are tender.
  12. Stir in 1/4 cup raisins and set aside.
  13. Meanwhile, prepare the polenta: Combine 1 cup coarse cornmeal, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 2 cups milk, and 4 1/2 cups water in a 4-quart microwave-safe bowl or casserole dish.
  14. Microwave on high for 12-15 minutes, or until thickened, stirring once halfway through. (Alternatively, for stovetop: Gradually whisk in cornmeal until blended, then whisk in 4 1/2 cups boiling water. Heat to boiling over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, partially covered, for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.)
  15. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked polenta.
  16. Spoon the polenta onto a platter.
  17. Top with the swiss chard mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 cup pine nuts.
  18. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

52 g

Sugar

31g

Fat

20g

Carbs

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Polenta With Garlicky Greens?

Polenta With Garlicky Greens takes about 65 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Polenta With Garlicky Greens?

Polenta With Garlicky Greens has approximately 365.9 calories per serving, with about 25 g protein, 18 g carbohydrates and 18 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Polenta With Garlicky Greens?

The key ingredients for Polenta With Garlicky Greens are Swiss Chard, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Golden Raisin. See the full list with measurements above.

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