Description
Comfort food at its finest, Quick Polenta with Garlic Sauteed Mushrooms is a simple, soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknights, yet elegant enough for dinner guests. Creamy, golden polenta forms a rich base for earthy, garlicky mushrooms sautéed to perfection. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, vegetarian comfort food, or healthy snack ideas, this quick recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a standout in the world of breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, and simple food ideas that nourish and delight.
Ingredients
1 cup quick-cooking polenta
4 cups water (or vegetable broth)
1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups sliced mushrooms
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional: a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar
Instructions
1. Prepare all ingredients: slice mushrooms, mince garlic, chop parsley.
2. Bring water (or broth) to a boil in a saucepan. Add salt. Gradually whisk in the polenta.
3. Reduce heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened—about 5–7 minutes. Stir in butter or oil and cheese (if using). Cover and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add mushrooms in a single layer.
5. Cook mushrooms undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, then stir until browned, about 7–10 minutes.
6. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté 30–60 seconds. Optional: deglaze with wine or vinegar.
7. Stir in parsley and remove from heat.
8. Spoon polenta into bowls, top with mushrooms, and garnish with more parsley.
Notes
Stir polenta constantly while cooking to avoid lumps.
Use a mix of mushrooms for the best depth of flavor.
Reheat polenta with a bit of water or broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish or Side
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: quick polenta, mushroom recipes, easy dinner, vegetarian, healthy comfort food