Polenta with Swiss Chard and White Beans

Yum

My husband declared this “The most insanely delicious Polenta Ever!”  Yes, that’s what he called it! I cook a lot and my family always is complimentary (ok, maybe not ALWAYS…there have been a few mishaps) about whatever I cook. So, when I get a reaction like I did the other night to this polenta, it made me very happy. My 7  year old also declared it “delicious” and had 3 servings-greens and all.

Like so many of my recipes, this side dish came together with what I had on hand. I was in desperate need of a grocery order, and was out of all my “usuals”. Looking in the cabinet, I realized I had two mason jars filled with polenta from my last CSA pantry package.  I had some swiss chard and a can of white beans. Hmm…I definitely thought I could do something with these. No chard? Use whatever greens you have on hand!

Polenta with Swiss Chard and White Beans

You may also like these vegetarian side dishes:

Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta

Broccolini with White Beans

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Polenta with Swiss Chard and White Beans

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1 cup Polenta 3 1/2 cups Water 1 Cup Organic whole milk 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 bunch Swiss chard, or other leafy green, chopped 2 shallots, sliced thin 1 can organic white beans, drained and rinsed Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Ingredients

• 1 cup Polenta
• 3 1/2 cups Water
• 1 Cup Organic whole milk
• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, or other leafy green, chopped
• 2 shallots, sliced thin
• 1 can organic white beans, drained and rinsed
• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the polenta:
2. Bring the water and milk to a boil in a medium saucepan.
3. Whisk in the polenta and continue to whisk until it thickens.
4. Cover, reduce heat all the way down, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
5. Whisk every 10 minutes or so to prevent the polenta from sticking. You can add some more water if it's too thick.
6. Stir in the butter and parmesan cheese. Season with sea salt and pepper.
7. Make the greens:
8. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
9. Add shallots and saute until softened.
10. Add garlic and cook another minute.
11. Add the Greens, a little sea salt and pepper and toss to combine.
12. Cook until greens are wilted.
13. Add in the beans and cook until beans are heated through, about 4 minutes.
14. Put polenta in a bowl and top with the Chard and beans mixture.