Savory Polenta with Sautéed Swiss Chard and Pine Nuts

Polenta with Garlicky Greens

Total Time: 50 minutes | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

This delectable recipe for Polenta with Garlicky Greens brings together the comforting texture of soft cornmeal polenta with a savory topping of sautéed Swiss chard, sweet raisins, and crunchy pine nuts. Originating from Good Housekeeping magazine in 1999, this vegetarian delight is both nutritious and flavorful, perfect for a satisfying meal. Whether you choose to prepare it in the microwave for a quick and easy option or opt for the stovetop method for a more traditional approach, this dish promises to be a hit. Serve it as a hearty main course or as a delightful side to elevate your dinner experience.

Ingredients

• 2 bunches Swiss chard
• 1 bunch bok choy
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 1/2 cups golden raisins
• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup Romano cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

Instructions

Preparing the Garlicky Greens

1. Prepare the Swiss Chard:
   Begin by cutting off and discarding the bottom 3 inches of the Swiss chard stems. Slice the remaining stems into 1/2-inch pieces and coarsely chop the leaves. Rinse both the stems and leaves separately, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them into separate bowls for easy access.

2. Cook the Garlic and Chard Stems:
   In a nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic turns lightly golden.

3. Add Chard Stems:
   Increase the heat to medium-high and introduce the sliced chard stems into the skillet. Cook the stems for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

4. Incorporate Chard Leaves and Season:
   Gradually add the chard leaves to the skillet, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir the mixture until the leaves wilt. Pour in 1/3 cup of water, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 5 minutes or until both the stems and leaves are tender. Stir in the golden raisins and set the mixture aside.

Preparing the Polenta

1. Microwave Method:

   • In a 4-quart microwave-safe bowl or casserole dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, milk, and 4 1/2 cups of water.
   • Cover the bowl and cook on High for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once during cooking, until the polenta thickens.

2. Stovetop Method (Optional):

   • In a 4-quart saucepan, stir 1 teaspoon of salt into 2 cups of cold milk. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal until well blended. Then, whisk in 4 1/2 cups of boiling water.
   • Heat the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the polenta is thick and creamy.

Bringing It All Together

1. Finish the Polenta:
   Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked polenta until it’s well incorporated and creamy.

2. Assemble and Serve:
   Spoon the polenta onto a serving platter. Top it generously with the garlicky Swiss chard mixture. Sprinkle the dish with toasted pine nuts and a bit of grated Romano cheese, if desired. For an extra touch of flavor, you may offer additional Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling over each serving.

3. Enjoy:
   Serve this flavorful polenta with garlicky greens as a main dish or a hearty side. It’s perfect for a nutritious meal that is both satisfying and delicious.

Notes

• Serving Size: This recipe yields 4 main dish servings, making it ideal for a family meal or a small gathering.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with other leafy greens like kale or spinach if Swiss chard isn’t available. You can also adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

With its blend of creamy polenta and robustly flavored greens, this dish is sure to become a favorite for those who appreciate a well-rounded, nutritious meal. Enjoy the rich textures and vibrant flavors of Polenta with Garlicky Greens, a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire! 🌿🍽️