Skip to main content

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.
Read More
Invert the ratio of gin to vermouth for a party-friendly and slightly lighter drinking experience.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.
Loosely inspired by pasta Amatriciana, a few pounds of zucchini stand in for tomatoes.
Like banana pudding cake and beer can chicken.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.