Creamy Lemon Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes and Parmesan Crumble
Italian Food
Intermediate

Creamy Lemon Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes and Parmesan Crumble

An original, comforting Italian-inspired dish: silky lemon-scented polenta topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, and a crisp Parmesan breadcrumb crumble. Ideal for an elegant yet approachable vegetarian meal.

20 minPrep
35 minCook
55 minTotal
4Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 180 g quick-cooking polenta (dry)
  • 720 ml vegetable broth (for the polenta)
  • 240 ml whole milk (for dar cremosidad)
  • 30 g butter (unsalted)
  • 70 g grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 2 g lemon zest (finely grated)
  • 15 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 400 g cherry tomatoes (whole)
  • 120 g fresh spinach (lightly compacta)
  • 40 g rustic breadcrumbs (preferiblemente gruesas)
  • 9 g garlic (2 cloves thinly sliced and 1 chopped)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 2 g fresh thyme (hojitas)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 6 g salt (or to taste)

Nutrition facts

per serving

410 kcal
Calories
14 g
Protein
38 g
Carbs
22 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
34 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking tray and toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the fresh thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Roast for 20 to 22 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, until blistered and juicy.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the rustic breadcrumbs and 30 g (about 1/3 cup) of the grated Parmesan. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until golden and crisp. Set aside.

  3. 3

    In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth and whole milk to a gentle boil over medium heat. Lower the heat and slowly rain in the polenta, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

  4. 4

    Cook the polenta for 8 to 10 minutes over low heat, stirring frequently, until thick and tender. Add the butter, remaining grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a little black pepper. Stir until creamy.

  5. 5

    In another skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt.

  6. 6

    To serve, divide the creamy polenta among shallow bowls. Top with the sautéed spinach and roasted tomatoes with their juices. Finish with the crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crumble. Serve immediately while hot.

Chef tips

If the polenta thickens too much before serving, add a splash of hot broth or milk and stir until smooth again. Roast the tomatoes in a single layer for better caramelization.

Substitutions

You can substitute the spinach with tender Swiss chard. Fresh thyme can be replaced with fresh oregano. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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