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Creamy Pumpkin Polenta

Creamy Pumpkin Polenta: Cozy Fall Comfort Food Delight

Creamy Pumpkin Polenta offers a warm, comforting dish perfect for fall, featuring pumpkin, pancetta, and herbs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Polenta
  • 1 cup cornmeal polenta finely ground yellow cornmeal
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée canned or fresh
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan can substitute with nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter can use olive oil for dairy-free
  • 1 large egg omit for vegan option
For Flavoring
  • fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, or thyme) choose your favorite
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Toppings
  • 4 ounces pancetta can substitute with bacon or omit
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil or olive oil/butter
  • 6 ounces Swiss chard can replace with spinach
  • 2 shallots can use yellow or red onions
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
  • 1 cup heavy cream optional, coconut cream for non-dairy

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Cooking Process
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cornmeal polenta, stock, and kosher salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  2. Remove from heat, stir in pumpkin purée, Parmesan, butter, and egg. Add herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. In a skillet, heat neutral oil over medium heat, add pancetta, and cook for 3-5 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add Swiss chard stems, shallots, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, then add chard leaves and cook for another 5-7 minutes, finishing with lemon juice.
  5. Reheat polenta if needed, pour into a serving bowl, top with sautéed Swiss chard and crispy pancetta, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Stir regularly while cooking to prevent clumping. Adjust creaminess with stock or cream as needed. Can be made ahead and reheated.

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