Ingredients

6 cups water
salt
1 1/2 cups polenta ( or evenly coarse medium or coarse-ground cornmeal )
1 1/2 ounces parmesan cheese , grated ( about 3/4 cup )
3 tablespoons unsalted butter , cut into large chunks
ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves , peeled and sliced thin
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 pinch sugar
2 pints cherry tomatoes , halved
salt and pepper
6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese , cut into 1/3-in . cubes ( about 1 cup )
2 tablespoons fresh shredded basil leaves
Simple Polenta With Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella is an Italian dish that is easy to make, nutritious and delicious. Polenta is a warm cornmeal dish that is a staple in Northern Italy, often served as a hearty meal or as an appetizer. The flavours of the stewed tomatoes and fresh mozzarella perfectly complement the creamy texture of the polenta. Try this dish with a glass of red wine, and you have a perfect meal.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, bring 6 cups of salted water to a boil. Slowly add in the 1 1/2 cups of polenta and whisk continuously to avoid lumps, bringing it down to a simmer.
2.Cook the polenta for around 30 minutes, making sure to whisk it frequently until it is creamy and thick.
3.Add in 1 1/2 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and black pepper to taste, whisking until everything is combined evenly.
4.In another pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and add in 2 medium sliced garlic cloves, a pinch of red pepper flakes and sugar each. Cook for around a minute.
5.Add 2 pints of halved cherry tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste, and cook until the tomatoes are softened and slightly browned in parts, roughly around 4 minutes.
6.Once the polenta is cooked, pour it onto a serving dish and spoon over the cherry tomato sauce.
7.Add little cubes of fresh mozzarella, approximately 1 cup, on top of the sauce.
8.Finish by adding 2 tablespoons of fresh, shredded basil leaves on top

PROS

Simple Polenta with Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella is an easy-to-make, flavoursome dish that is perfect for a weekend dinner or as an appetizer for a party.

It requires only a few basic ingredients and is perfect for vegetarians.

CONS

It can be a bit time-consuming to make and requires constant whisking while making the polenta.

Additionally, it might not be an ideal dish for those who are watching their calorie intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Polenta is a gluten-free grain that is high in complex carbohydrates, fibre and protein. These help in digestion, keeping you feeling full and providing energy throughout the day. It also contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, folate, and zinc, which support a healthy immune system and normal growth and development.
Cherry tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins such as A, C and K which help boost the immune system, vision, and bone and heart health. Fresh mozzarella cheese is a source of calcium, protein, and vitamins, making it an excellent addition to a healthy, balanced diet in moderation.

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