Recipes

Creamy Polenta, Spinach and Heirloom Tomatoes

This creamy polenta topped with a rich poached egg is a restaurant-style main dish that will impress any brunch or dinner crowd.
Serves 4
Prep Time 15 min
Cook Time 35 min

Ingredients

  • Polenta

    • 1 cup (250 mL) water
    • ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) salt
    • 4 cups (1 L) milk
    • 1 cup (250 mL) cornmeal (coarse grind)
    • ⅓ cup (75 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
  • Sautéed Spinach and Heirloom Tomatoes

    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
    • 1 clove garlic, sliced
    • Pinch hot pepper flakes (optional)
    • 6 cups (1.5 L) spinach
    • 2 cups (500 mL) chopped heirloom tomatoes
    • ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) salt and pepper
  • Poached Eggs

    • 4 eggs
    • 2 tsp (10 mL) vinegar

Instructions

  • Polenta

    • Step 1

      In saucepan, bring water and salt to boil over medium-high heat; stir in milk and bring to simmer. While whisking, add the cornmeal a little at a time. (Whisking will help eliminate lumps). Reduce heat to medium-low; cook polenta, stirring frequently, for 35 to 40 minutes or until tender and thick enough to mound on a spoon. If polenta is too thick, stir in a little more water to loosen. Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter.

  • Sautéed Spinach and Heirloom Tomatoes

    • Step 1

      Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet set over medium heat; cook garlic and hot pepper flakes for 1 minute or until garlic starts to soften. Add spinach, tomatoes, salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until spinach wilts and tomatoes are warmed through.

  • Poached Eggs

    • Step 1

      Fill saucepan with enough water to come 3 inches (8 cm) up side; heat to gentle simmer. Stir in vinegar. Break cold egg into small dish or saucer. Holding dish just above simmering water, gently slip egg into water; repeat with remaining eggs. Cook in barely simmering water for 3 to 5 minutes or until whites are set and yolks are cooked as desired. Remove eggs with slotted spoon; drain on paper towel.

    • Step 2

      Divide polenta among 4 bowls. Top with sautéed spinach and tomatoes and poached eggs.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving
Calories480
Fat26 g
Saturated Fat11 g
Trans Fat0 g
Carbohydrate40 g
Fibre4 g
Sugars15 g
Protein23 g
Sodium700 mg