Description
Craving comfort food that’s easy, rich, and nourishing? This Creamy Garlic Polenta With Mushrooms is the answer. It’s a savory and soul-warming dish where creamy, buttery polenta meets golden sautéd mushrooms full of garlicky flavor. Perfect for weeknights or a cozy dinner party, this recipe works beautifully as a vegetarian main or a hearty side dish. Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt into a vegan version, it’s a winning choice for any home cook looking for easy dinner ideas, meatless meals, or comforting food ideas that hit the spot every time.
Ingredients
1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or mix)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Slowly whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low.
3. Cook the polenta for 30–40 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
4. Stir in butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown.
6. Add garlic, salt, and pepper to the mushrooms, and cook for 1 more minute.
7. Spoon the creamy polenta into bowls, top with sautéd mushrooms, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and nutritional yeast.
For extra flavor, finish with a drizzle of truffle oil or sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg