Cheese and Basil Polenta

A tomato-basil sauce is generously spooned over layers of baked cheese and polenta for this meatless main dish recipe.


Cheese and Basil Polenta

by 1  person


add your rating
add a comment
Servings: Makes 6 main-dish servings
Prep Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 5 hrs 20 mins
 
savings in
 
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2  cups
    shredded fontina or mozzarella cheese (6 ounces)
    see savings
    On Sale
  • 1/3  cup
    grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
    see savings
    On Sale
  • 2  tablespoons
    snipped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil, crushed
    see savings
    On Sale
  • 1  cup
    yellow cornmeal
    see savings
    On Sale
  • 1  cup
    cold water
    see savings
    On Sale
  • 1/2  teaspoon
    salt
    see savings
    On Sale
  • 1  recipe
    Tomato-Basil Sauce (see below)
    see savings
    On Sale
  •  
    Fresh basil (optional)
    see savings
    On Sale

Directions
1.
In a medium bowl stir together fontina cheese, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Set aside.
2.
For polenta, in a medium saucepan bring 2-3/4 cups water to boiling. Meanwhile, in a bowl stir together cornmeal, the 1 cup cold water, and salt. Slowly add cornmeal mixture to boiling water, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until mixture returns to boiling. Reduce heat to very low. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until mixture is very thick, stirring occasionally .
3.
Pour one-third of the hot mixture to a greased 2-quart square baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, ending with the hot mixture. Cool for 1 hour. Cover with foil and chill several hours or overnight until firm.
4.
Bake polenta, uncovered, in a 350 degrees F oven about 40 minutes or until lightly browned and heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with Tomato-Basil Sauce. If desired, garnish with additional basil.
5.
Makes 6 main-dish servings
6.
Tomato-Basil Sauce: In a medium saucepan cook 3/4 cup chopped onion and 2 cloves garlic, minced, in 2 tablespoons hot butter or margarine until onion is tender. Carefully stir in two 14-1/2-ounce cans whole Italian-style tomatoes, undrained and cut up; half of a 6-ounce can (1/3 cup) tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 20 minutes or to desired consistency. Stir in 1/4 cup snipped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed. Cook 5 minutes more. Makes about 3 1/3 cups sauce.

Nutrition information
Calories 310, Total Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 9 g, Monounsaturated Fat 5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 47 mg, Sodium 969 mg, Carbohydrate 29 g, Total Sugar 6 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 14 g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 34%, Calcium 27%, Iron 14%. Exchanges: Vegetable 1, Starch 1.5, Medium-Fat Meat 1, Fat 1.5. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Add Your Review
Related Recipe
Zucchini-Tomato Gratin
Zucchini-Tomato Gratin

For a light entree on a summer night, this dish is just the ticket. Salting and draining the zucchini and tomatoes before baking prevents them from releasing excess moisture as they bake, so the gratin stays firm, not soggy.

 Articles
Comfort Food Classics: 6 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
... on the classic. Oregano and basil add fresh herb flavor to this open-faced grilled cheese, which makes for a...The recipe for comfort is easy: take two slices of bread, put cheese in the middle, and grill.... Grilled cheese sandwiches are truly one of life's simplest pleasures; they're as effortless to make... read more...
Food Blogs We Love
see more blogs