Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Sauteed Kale w/ Polenta


We've been getting a lot of kale in our CSA lately.  I love kale and usually end up putting it in a soup (it's stellar in soups!), but with the weather being so hot - I just haven't been in the mood for any kind of soup.  Simple and easy is the route I like to take.

And when I saw this recipe on Eats Well With Others, I just knew I had to make it - especially since I'd never cooked with polenta before either.  It just seemed like the perfect opportunity!


Ingredients:
Adapted from Eats Well With Others' recipe


1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 cups kale, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup polenta
1/4 cup smoked gouda, shredded

In a large skillet, heat olive oil under medium high heat.  Add garlic and saute for about a minute or so, until fragrant.

Add the kale, salt, and pepper and saute for about 3-5 minutes, or until kale is slightly wilted, but still green.

Meanwhile, bring about 4 cups of salted water to a boil.  Slowly pour in polenta and stir constantly until thick - about 5 minutes or so.

Spoon some polenta on a plate and top with the kale.  Sprinkle some shredded gouda on top if you want too.


Joanne served this with some braised short ribs (which looks pretty darn awesome too!), but I found this a great dish all by itself.  It's elegant, easy, and super tasty!  And let's just say... this won't be the last time I cook with polenta, either!

26 comments:

  1. I really do need to try Polenta too. I've never eaten it, so it feels so foreign to me. I'm glad you tried it and liked it. The kale looks so good too!

    -Emily

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  2. I love the addition of the gouda! I might just have to try this next time I get kale!

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  3. Smoked gouda would be awesome in polenta! Thanks for the great idea!

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  4. Yum! I've never thought of kale with polenta! We've been getting a ton of it with our CSA too. So far our favorite way is to boil the kale for 5 minutes, then while it's draining, saute some diced onions and thinly sliced cabbage (also from our CSA) with butter and a nice spoonful of tandoori spice blend. Once the veggies have softened a little, mix in the kale. Seriously amazing!

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  5. I love polenta so this sounds really good to me. Diane

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  6. Looks great! I just finished the last of my kale this morning (no easy task) but will reload soon. I've never cooked polenta either.

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  7. Hi Peggy - the addition of smoked cheese really kicks up this recipe. Love the creamy style polenta too. Very nice! I agree with you, doesn't need beef to complete the dish!
    LL

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  8. Lovely...I like both polenta and kale and this recipe looks too good.

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  9. I love kale and lookiong for a new way to serve it. Never thought of polenta; you are so creative Peggy.
    Rita

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  10. Oh my!!! I just love Gouda too :) :)!!

    I wonder why? gheghe..

    Greetz from Holland!

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  11. I'm going to try it!!.....kale is not a common vegetable in my kitchen.....but polenta...I love it!!................Abrazotes, Marcela

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  12. You had me at smoked gouda!!!!

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  13. Love the kale & polenta combi! Very interesting, Peggy :)

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  14. Looks better than simple kale chips I have been making. I am getting a lot of kale too and I consider it an upgrade from the cabbage I had been getting :)I am just hoping the variety will get better!

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  15. I'm going to have to make sure to pick up some kale this Thursday at the farmers market. This dish looks tasty!

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  16. Looks really good!

    Hi Peggy! I've shared few awards with you. Please accept these :)

    Sooji ka Halwa ( Semolina Halva ) & Awards

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  17. Simple and yummy stir fry...:)

    Dr.Sameena@

    http://www.myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com/

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  18. I've never served polentat this way. Looks so tempting! I bet the smoked gouda adds a ton of flavor :D

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  19. That looks amazing! I love polenta, and the gouda takes it over the top for me :) Thanks for sharing...

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  20. Hi Peggy! Polenta is still new world to me. It looks amazing and healthy!

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  21. This looks so good. I'm a huge fan of dark leafy greens. So much good in so little food. I love it!

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  22. Smoked gouda is one my favorite cheeses :P Sounds fantastic!

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  23. Hi There, This is looking absolutely delightful. Loved the new combo of ingredients and the recipe is so nicely made and presented. Saving this recipe of urs and wud love to give ur version a try on the coming weekend. Have a great day….Sonia !!!

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