Sauteed Mushroom Cheesy Polenta (Print View)

Creamy cheesy polenta paired with savory mushrooms and fresh herbs for a cozy, flavorful dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Polenta

01 - 240 g coarse ground yellow cornmeal (polenta)
02 - 950 ml water or low-sodium vegetable broth
03 - 0.5 tsp salt
04 - 28 g unsalted butter
05 - 60 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 25 g grated parmesan cheese

→ For the Sauteed Mushrooms

07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 14 g unsalted butter
09 - 340 g mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or a mix), sliced
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 0.5 tsp salt, plus additional to taste
12 - Black pepper, to taste
13 - 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
14 - Lemon juice or red pepper flakes, optional

# Directions:

01 - Bring water or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
02 - Slowly whisk in the coarse ground cornmeal. Immediately reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
03 - Stir the polenta regularly for 20 to 25 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides, until the mixture is thickened and creamy.
04 - Stir in unsalted butter, cheddar, and parmesan until fully incorporated and the cheeses have melted. Season with salt to taste.
05 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until hot. Add sliced mushrooms and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes.
06 - Stir the mushrooms and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
07 - Add minced garlic and chopped herbs. Season mushrooms with salt and pepper. Sauté for an additional minute to release flavors.
08 - If desired, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for brightness. Toss to combine.
09 - Spoon the hot cheesy polenta into individual serving bowls. Top generously with the sautéed mushroom mixture. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired, and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - Whisk the polenta consistently to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
02 - Let the mushrooms brown undisturbed initially; this creates a richer, more complex flavor.