Pan-Seared Polenta with Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce

Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Health score
5%
Pan-Seared Polenta with Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce
45 min.
8
230kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Pan-Seared Polenta with Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce, a dish that's perfect for any occasion! This vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free recipe is a culinary treasure that delights the senses while ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy it. Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, golden squares of polenta, lovingly seared to perfection in olive oil, and topped with a vibrant, zesty sauce that brings a lively kick of flavor. Made with the simplest of ingredients, yet bursting with personality, this dish is not only visually appealing but also wonderfully satisfying.

Whether served as a side dish or a main attraction, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. As you prepare it, let the aromatic blend of fresh basil and rich tomato sauce envelop your kitchen, enticing family and friends to gather around. With a total prep and cook time of just 45 minutes, you can whip up this culinary masterpiece even on the busiest of days. Plus, the option to make the polenta ahead of time allows for seamless entertaining. Pair it with a medium-bodied Italian red wine for an exquisite dining experience, and you'll feel as though you've been transported to a charming Italian bistro. Get ready to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds with this exceptional dish!

Ingredients

  • sprigs basil fresh (for garnish; optional)
  • tablespoons olive oil divided ()
  • cups cornmeal (coarse cornmeal)
  • teaspoons salt 
  • cups water 

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • baking sheet
  • oven
  • plastic wrap
  • baking pan

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Place 15x10x2-inchglass baking dish on rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Combine 8 cups water, 3 tablespoons oliveoil, and 2 teaspoons salt in dish. Graduallymix in polenta.
  4. Place baking sheet with polenta inoven.
  5. Bake polenta 1 hour.
  6. Add pepper andstir to blend.
  7. Bake 20 minutes. Stir againand spread evenly.
  8. Bake until polenta isvery thick, about 20 minutes longer. Coolpolenta to room temperature, 1 to 2 hours(polenta will become firm). Using metalspatula, press polenta all over to eventhickness. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 daysahead. Cover with plastic wrap; chill.
  9. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  10. Cut polentalengthwise into 4 strips.
  11. Cut eachstrip crosswise into 6 squares.
  12. Heat 2tablespoons oil in large nonstick skilletover medium-high heat. Working inbatches, add polenta squares. Sautéuntil crisp and beginning to color, about8 minutes per side.
  13. Transfer polenta tosmall baking sheet; place in oven to keepwarm. Repeat with remaining polenta,adding oil to skillet as needed.
  14. Divide polenta among plates. Topwith warm Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce.
  15. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs, if desired.
  16. * Sold at some supermarkets and at naturalfoods stores and Italian markets. Ifunavailable, substitute an equal amountof regular yellow cornmeal.
  17. A medium-bodied red
  18. Italian wine is great with the spicy sauce.One to try: Montresor NV "Il Veronese"Valpolicella ($14), a lovely red blendwith dried fruit flavors and vanilla notes.
  19. Bon Appétit

Nutrition Facts

Calories230kcal
Protein6.78%
Fat43.12%
Carbs50.1%

Properties

Glycemic Index
17.31
Glycemic Load
17.29
Inflammation Score
-2
Nutrition Score
5.5126087168313%

Flavonoids

Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.01mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:230.05kcal
11.5%
Fat:11.09g
17.06%
Saturated Fat:1.62g
10.14%
Carbohydrates:28.98g
9.66%
Net Carbohydrates:25.24g
9.18%
Sugar:0.62g
0.69%
Cholesterol:0mg
0%
Sodium:594.97mg
25.87%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:3.92g
7.85%
Fiber:3.74g
14.96%
Manganese:0.26mg
12.96%
Vitamin B6:0.23mg
11.75%
Magnesium:45.07mg
11.27%
Vitamin E:1.41mg
9.39%
Phosphorus:89.58mg
8.96%
Zinc:1.26mg
8.4%
Vitamin B1:0.12mg
7.96%
Iron:1.25mg
6.95%
Copper:0.14mg
6.77%
Vitamin K:6.38µg
6.08%
Vitamin B3:0.98mg
4.92%
Potassium:128.94mg
3.68%
Folate:13.69µg
3.42%
Selenium:2.39µg
3.41%
Vitamin B5:0.24mg
2.37%
Vitamin B2:0.04mg
2.19%
Calcium:10.37mg
1.04%
Source:Epicurious