Polenta with White Beans and Italian Salsa Verde

Servings: 2 - 3 Source:

Ingredients

FOR THE POLENTA:

3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

3/4 cup medium-grind or stone-ground cornmeal

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for garnish

FOR THE BEANS AND GREENS

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

One 15-ounce can low-sodium white beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed

2 medium cloves garlic, minced

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 cup (2 ounces) baby spinach leaves or other chopped, dark leafy greens

FOR THE SALSA VERDE:

2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano (may substitute more parsley here)

1 tablespoon capers in brine, drained

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

For the creamy polenta: Bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the cornmeal gradually, whisking constantly, to form a thickened and smooth mixture. Add the salt and reduce the heat to low. Cook over low heat, slowly bubbling, for 20 minutes: The mixture will resemble a thick, yellow paste. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter until it has melted.

Meanwhile, whip up those beans and greens: Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the beans, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and a few grinds of black ground pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until fragrant and warmed through (enjoy that perfume of wafting garlic). Stir in the spinach or other greens and continue cooking for 1 minute until that has wilted. Remove from the heat.

Finally, make the salsa verde: Stir together the parsley, oregano, capers, oil and lemon juice in a medium bowl.

Spoon the warm polenta into bowls. Top with the beans and greens, salsa verde and grated cheese. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories per serving (based on 3): 390
% Daily Values*
Total Fat: 19g 29%
Saturated Fat: 5g 25%
Cholesterol: 10mg 3%
Sodium: 920mg 38%
Total Carbohydrates: 48g 16%
Dietary Fiber: 10g 40%
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 11g
*Percent Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Total Fat: Less than 65g
Saturated Fat: Less than 20g
Cholesterol: Less than 300mg
Sodium: Less than 2,400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 300g
Dietary Fiber: 25g