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Herbed Polenta & Roasted Tomato Bake

Herbed Polenta & Roasted Tomato Bake: Comfort on a Plate

This Herbed Polenta & Roasted Tomato Bake is a delightful vegetarian dish that combines creamy polenta with roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Polenta
  • 1 cup Coarse Yellow Cornmeal (Polenta) Consider using stone-ground for richer flavor.
  • 4 cups Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth Enhance with a bay leaf or a splash of white wine if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Swap for olive oil to make it vegan.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Gruyère or Fontina can add a more complex flavor.
For the Roasted Tomatoes
  • 2 cups Ripe Plum Tomatoes Heirloom varieties or roasted red peppers can offer different flavor profiles.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Essential for roasting; enhances browning.
  • to taste Sea Salt & Black Pepper Key for seasoning.
For Flavorful Herbs
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil
  • to taste Red-Pepper Flakes (optional) Feel free to omit if you prefer a milder flavor.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • baking sheet
  • Greased baking dish

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of coarse yellow cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once incorporated, reduce the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stirring frequently for 20-25 minutes until the polenta thickens to a creamy consistency.
  2. While the polenta cooks, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, toss 2 cups of halved ripe plum tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Arrange the tomatoes cut-side down and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they become blistered and their skins are slightly charred.
  3. Once your polenta is creamy, remove it from the heat and fold in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil. Stir well until the cheese melts and the herbs are evenly distributed.
  4. In a greased baking dish, pour half of the herbed polenta to create a smooth base layer. Evenly distribute the roasted tomatoes over this layer, ensuring they are well-spread. Top with the remaining polenta, smoothing it out gently.
  5. Place the assembled dish under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  6. Once removed from the oven, allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For enhanced flavor, consider drizzling with aged balsamic reduction before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.

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