Italy on your plate: Cook this savory Italian polenta primavera
Polenta primavera combines creamy polenta with fresh spring vegetables, a Northern Italian staple for centuries. This dish is a vegetarian and eggless celebration of garden bounty, offering rich flavor without compromise. Embrace the essence of Italian comfort food as we prepare this delightful meal. Let's start cooking and infuse your dining experience with an authentic Italian touch.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this dish, you will need one cup of polenta (coarse cornmeal), four cups of vegetable broth, and one tablespoon of olive oil. Optionally, include half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Season with salt to taste. Additionally, prepare two cups of diced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and peas for the vegetable medley.
Prepare the vegetable medley
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, sauteing until they are tender yet still colorful. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Once the vegetables have a tender-crisp consistency, remove them from the heat and set aside to keep warm for serving.
Cook the polenta
In a saucepan, boil four cups of vegetable broth. Whisk in one cup of polenta gradually to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and stir until the mixture thickens and separates from the pan sides, taking about 15-20 minutes. For extra creaminess, optionally mix in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it's fully integrated and melted.
Assemble polenta primavera
Once your polenta is creamy, spoon it onto a serving platter or into individual bowls, creating a smooth base. Gently arrange the sauteed vegetables on top of the polenta, ensuring they are evenly spread out. This should be done promptly while everything is still warm, allowing guests to savor the contrast of the soft polenta with the vegetables' satisfying crunch.
Final touches
For an optional yet delightful garnish, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs such as basil or parsley over your polenta primavera just before serving. This garnish not only adds a pop of color and a flavor contrast but also introduces an aromatic freshness with each bite, typical of Italian cuisine. It's a simple touch that enhances both the presentation and the sensory experience of the dish.
