Description
Creamy “mushroom and cauliflower polenta” delivers an Italian countryside comfort with earthy woodland flavors. Mediterranean warmth cascades through each silky spoonful, inviting you to savor rustic elegance on your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 12 ounces (340 grams) mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or portobello), sliced
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Herbs, Spices, and Liquids:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (for blending)
- Fresh parsley or extra parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Gently place cauliflower florets into a steaming vessel, allowing them to soften and become delicately tender, transforming their texture until easily pierced with a fork.
- Carefully transfer the steamed cauliflower into a food processor, introducing parmesan, butter, salt, pepper, and broth to create a velvety, smooth mixture that whispers of creamy comfort.
- Warm olive oil or butter in a skillet, creating a welcoming environment for sliced mushrooms to dance and caramelize over medium heat, inviting garlic and thyme to join their flavor celebration.
- Allow mushrooms to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and preventing any burning.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar into the pan, watching as the liquid embraces the mushrooms and creates a glossy, flavor-intense coating that intensifies the dish’s depth and complexity.
- Once the mushrooms have reached peak flavor and the balsamic has been fully absorbed, remove from heat and prepare to serve the polenta with a luxurious mushroom topping.
Notes
- Choose firm, fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for maximum flavor and meaty texture.
- Rinse cauliflower thoroughly before steaming to remove any hidden dirt or debris.
- For a dairy-free version, swap parmesan with nutritional yeast and use plant-based butter or olive oil.
- Season mushrooms generously with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to enhance depth of taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg