This creamy polenta and mushroom recipe captures the rustic charm of Italian countryside cooking. The combination of velvety polenta paired with savory wild mushrooms creates a comforting yet elegant dish that warms the soul.
With its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, this dish showcases the simplicity of quality ingredients, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Delicious Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushrooms
This recipe features creamy Parmesan polenta topped with a medley of sautéed wild mushrooms cooked in garlic and thyme butter. The polenta is rich and smooth, while the mushrooms add an earthy depth, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups assorted wild mushrooms (e.g., shiitake, oyster, cremini), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Truffle oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Polenta: In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter into the polenta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm while preparing the mushrooms.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and tender.
- Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme leaves, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy polenta onto plates, top with the sautéed mushrooms, and garnish with chopped parsley and a drizzle of truffle oil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
