Pan Fried Polenta With Corn Kale And Goat Cheese: Recipe Guide

Polenta is a traditional Italian dish that has gained popularity worldwide for its versatility and comforting flavors. One delightful variation is Pan Fried Polenta With Corn, Kale, and Goat Cheese. This recipe combines the creamy texture of polenta with the sweetness of corn, the earthiness of kale, and the tangy richness of goat cheese. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Polenta Base

• 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings

• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
• 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Polenta

1. Boil the Liquid: In a large pot, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the salt.
2. Cook the Polenta: Slowly whisk in the polenta, reducing the heat to low. Continue to whisk until the polenta starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
3. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the polenta simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until it reaches a creamy consistency.
4. Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Cool and Set: Pour the cooked polenta into a greased baking dish and let it cool to set, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

1. Cook the Corn: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook until they are slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Kale: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, then add the kale. Cook until the kale is wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Fry the Polenta

1. Slice the Polenta: Once the polenta has set, cut it into squares or rounds.
2. Pan Fry: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter. Fry the polenta slices until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer the Ingredients: Arrange the fried polenta slices on a serving plate. Top with the cooked corn and kale.
2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top.
3. Serve: Serve immediately while the polenta is hot and crispy.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Perfect Polenta

• Constant Stirring: Stir the polenta frequently while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
• Smooth Texture: For an extra smooth texture, use a whisk when initially combining the polenta with the liquid.
• Setting Time: Allow the polenta to set completely before frying to ensure it holds its shape.

Variations

• Polenta Cakes: Shape the polenta into small cakes before frying for an elegant presentation.
• Baked Polenta: Instead of frying, you can bake the polenta slices at 400°F for 20 minutes until they are crispy.
• Cheese Substitutions: Try using feta or blue cheese instead of goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Additional Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more variety.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 2g

Conclusion

Pan Fried Polenta With Corn, Kale, and Goat Cheese is a delightful dish that brings together a medley of flavors and textures. The crispy polenta pairs wonderfully with the sweet corn, earthy kale, and tangy goat cheese, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences and variations in the comments below. If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other delicious polenta recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com.