Imagine a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests swooning! These Cheese, Spinach, and Mushroom Polenta Stacks are not just a meal, they're a gourmet experience that combines the creamy comfort of polenta with the earthy richness of mushrooms and the vibrant freshness of spinach. Perfect for those looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this Italian-inspired creation is about to become your new favorite showstopping recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Polenta
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Spinach, chopped
- Cheese, grated
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the polenta by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of polenta, reducing heat to low and stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the polenta for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the polenta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté sliced mushrooms until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped spinach to the mushrooms and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Pour the cooked polenta into a greased rectangular baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth layer about 1/2 inch thick. Allow to cool and set for 10-15 minutes.
- Once the polenta has set, cut into square or circular shapes using a knife or cookie cutter.
- In a separate pan, gently reheat the mushroom and spinach mixture.
- To assemble the stacks, layer a polenta base, top with the mushroom and spinach mixture, sprinkle generously with grated cheese, and add another polenta layer if desired.
- Optional: Place the stacks under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese and create a golden top.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs or additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Whisk Constantly: When cooking polenta, continuous whisking is key to preventing lumps and achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
- Let It Set: Allow the polenta to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat layers that hold their shape.
- Mushroom Magic: Make sure to sauté mushrooms until they're golden brown to develop maximum flavor and remove excess moisture.
- Cheese Selection: Use a flavorful melting cheese like Parmesan, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses for the most delicious results.
- Broiler Boost: The optional broiling step adds a beautiful golden crust and helps melt the cheese to gooey perfection.
- Serve Immediately: These stacks are best enjoyed hot, right after assembly, to maintain the perfect texture and temperature.
- Customize: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add protein like crispy pancetta or grilled chicken for variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
