Polenta Casserole with Mushrooms, Tomatoes, and Ricotta

Gluten Free
Health score
7%
Polenta Casserole with Mushrooms, Tomatoes, and Ricotta
45 min.
6
256kcal

Suggestions

Indulge in the comforting warmth of this Gluten-Free Polenta Casserole, a delightful fusion of rustic Italian flavors that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience perfect for any occasion. With a mere 45 minutes of preparation time, this dish offers a hearty yet elegant solution for those seeking a satisfying side dish, appetizer, or even a light main course. The secret lies in the rich interplay between the creamy texture of instant polenta and the savory depth of a slow-cooked mushroom and tomato sauce, all enhanced by the aromatic notes of fresh rosemary and garlic.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its innovative layering technique. By alternating velvety polenta, a robust tomato-mushroom reduction, and dollops of part-skim ricotta, you create distinct bursts of flavor in every bite. The addition of crumbled fresh Parmesan and pats of butter on top ensures a golden, bubbling crust that adds an irresistible crunch and richness. This casserole is not only a feast for the palate but also a mindful choice for health-conscious eaters, offering a balanced nutritional profile with significant protein content and being naturally free from gluten, making it accessible to a wider range of dietary needs.

Whether you are hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this Polenta Casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction. Its versatility allows it to shine as an antipasto to start a dinner party or as a comforting snack for a quick lunch. Embrace the simplicity of this dish and let the harmonious blend of earthy mushrooms, bright tomatoes, and cheesy goodness bring your table to life. It is a testament to how a few key ingredients, prepared with care, can result in a truly memorable culinary creation that everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper black divided
  • 1.5 teaspoons butter cut into small pieces
  • 14.5 ounce canned tomatoes diced undrained canned
  • 12 ounces cremini mushrooms coarsely chopped
  • 0.3 cup cooking wine dry red
  •  garlic cloves chopped
  • teaspoons olive oil divided
  • cups onion chopped
  • ounces parmesan cheese fresh grated
  • 0.5 cup part-skim ricotta cheese 
  • cup polenta instant (such as Contadina)
  • tablespoon teaspoon rosemary dried fresh chopped
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt divided
  • tablespoon tomato paste 
  • cups water 

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • baking pan

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 40
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add onion; saut 8 minutes.
  4. Add mushrooms, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and garlic, and cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in wine, rosemary, and tomato paste; reduce heat to medium, and cook 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, and cook until thick (about 10 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat.
  6. Bring water to a boil in saucepan; stir in polenta and 1 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to low; cook until thick (about 5 minutes), stirring frequently.
  7. Spread one-third of polenta mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with 1 teaspoon oil.
  8. Spread half of tomato sauce over polenta, and top with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Drop half of the ricotta cheese by spoonfuls onto the Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with polenta. Top with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and butter.
  9. Bake at 400 for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Calories256kcal
Protein17.91%
Fat25.11%
Carbs56.98%

Properties

Glycemic Index
53.17
Glycemic Load
2.92
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
13.983913113242%

Flavonoids

Petunidin
0.44mg
Delphinidin
0.56mg
Malvidin
3.5mg
Peonidin
0.25mg
Catechin
1.03mg
Epicatechin
1.42mg
Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.02mg
Isorhamnetin
2.67mg
Kaempferol
0.35mg
Myricetin
0.07mg
Quercetin
10.92mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:256.41kcal
12.82%
Fat:7.11g
10.94%
Saturated Fat:3.52g
22.02%
Carbohydrates:36.32g
12.11%
Net Carbohydrates:33.06g
12.02%
Sugar:6.9g
7.66%
Cholesterol:15.52mg
5.17%
Sodium:892.2mg
38.79%
Alcohol:1.4g
100%
Alcohol %:0.43%
100%
Protein:11.42g
22.83%
Selenium:25.82µg
36.88%
Copper:0.5mg
25.05%
Vitamin B2:0.42mg
24.43%
Phosphorus:232.58mg
23.26%
Calcium:227.21mg
22.72%
Potassium:639.22mg
18.26%
Vitamin B3:3.51mg
17.54%
Manganese:0.35mg
17.49%
Vitamin B6:0.31mg
15.25%
Vitamin C:11.35mg
13.76%
Vitamin B5:1.34mg
13.4%
Fiber:3.27g
13.06%
Vitamin B1:0.18mg
11.85%
Zinc:1.6mg
10.69%
Magnesium:42.41mg
10.6%
Iron:1.88mg
10.43%
Folate:39.31µg
9.83%
Vitamin A:441.12IU
8.82%
Vitamin E:1.25mg
8.3%
Vitamin K:5.58µg
5.31%
Vitamin B12:0.23µg
3.87%
Source:My Recipes