Polenta with Cheese and Mushrooms

Makes 6 servings (Serving size: approx 1 cup)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 42 minutes

Print Recipe 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cups sliced shiitake or brown cremini
• 3 cups 1% milk
• 2 cups fat-free reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal, not instant polenta)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (1/2 teaspoon for dried)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (1/2 teaspoon for dried)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil (1/2 teaspoon for dried)
• 4 ounces grated smoked Gouda
• Garnish:  1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley   

Instructions:

Heat oil in 10-inch non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft; about 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking onions until soft and light caramelized about 15 minutes longer, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Add mushroom slices to the pan, stir gently to combine and cover. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are just cooked; about 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Set aside.

While onions are cooking, heat broth and milk in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. When mixture is just ready to boil, whisk in the polenta. Stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a low boil. Simmer, until polenta is soft and creamy, stirring often.  Mixture should not be stiff. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes.  If polenta becomes too thick, add a small amount of broth or water to thin slightly. Stir in cheese and herbs and mix well. Gently fold in mushroom-onion mixture. Divide between warmed serving plates.  Garnish with fresh parsley.

This versatile whole grain dish is quick and easy and can be served as a side dish with fish or chicken and a crisp garden salad. 
 
Recipe by Cheryl Forberg, RD, author of Positively Ageless: A 28 Day Plan for a Younger, Slimmer Sexier You, (Rodale - April 2008)  

 
Nutrition Facts per serving for main dish recipe:

Calories	326
Total Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Cholesterol	27 mg
Sodium	352 mg
Calcium	26% Daily Value
Protein	13 g
Carbohydrates	50 g