Skip to main content
Epicurious

Polenta and Spinach Soup

In this simple dish that originated in the northeast of Italy, olive oil serves as both a key ingredient and a garnish.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1/2 cup plus 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups water
1/2 cup yellow stone-ground cornmeal
2 ounces finely grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
3 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach (about 2 ounces)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat 1/4 cup oil and the garlic in a medium saucepan over medium until garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently, about 1 minute.

    Step 2

    Add the water; bring to a boil. Whisking constantly, add cornmeal in a slow, steady stream. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until soup has thickened slightly, about 8 minutes. Add cheese and 1/4 cup oil; cook, stirring, until oil is incorporated, about 1 minute. Stir in spinach and 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, until spinach is bright green and wilted, about 1 minute more.

    Step 3

    Divide soup among four bowls; drizzle each with 1 teaspoon oil. Season soup with pepper and more salt, as desired, and serve with lemon wedges.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 4

    (Per Serving)

    Step 5

    Calories: 409

    Step 6

    Saturated Fat: 6.4g

    Step 7

    Unsaturated Fat: 29.5g

    Step 8

    Cholesterol: 8.8mg

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 16.8g

    Step 10

    Protein: 5.9g

    Step 11

    Sodium: 668mg

    Step 12

    Fiber: 2.6g

Power Foods
TagsSoupSoup/StewItalianEuropeanCornmealFlourSpinachLeafy GreensVegetableStarterMainLunchDinnerGluten FreeNut FreeVegetarianQuickEasy5 Ingredients or Fewer30 Minutes or LessWeeknight MealsCookbooks
Read More
Mango Sticky Rice
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
Cilantro Pesto Pasta
This vibrant cilantro pesto recipe blends blanched herbs, Cotija cheese, garlic, and toasted pepitas. Toss with pasta for a fresh and bold spaghetti pesto.
Easy Egg Custard
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
Simple Hot Cocoa for One
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Béchamel Sauce
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Mochiko Chicken
Hawai‘i's beloved fried chicken is crispy, sweet, and savory.
Soy-Glazed Salmon Bowls
Saucy, soy-honey salmon—cut into cubes to speed up the cooking process—makes a savory topping for a quick weeknight bowl.
Halloumi Lasagna
In this lasagna, soft layers of pasta and béchamel are interspersed with a rich tomato sauce laden with hearty Mediterranean vegetables.