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Polenta Wedges with Asparagus and Mushrooms

WHY IT’S LIGHT Wedges of polenta are lightly brushed with olive oil and broiled instead of fried. The asparagus spears are broiled alongside the polenta, and a small amount of cream is all it takes to make the mushrooms taste luxurious.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

2 cups milk
3 1/4 cups low-sodium store-bought chicken broth
3/4 cup polenta
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, such as safflower, plus more for baking dish
1 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed (stalks peeled if tough)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a 4-quart pot, bring milk and 2 1/2 cups broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in polenta. Continue to whisk until polenta thickens. Reduce heat to low, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until polenta is creamy and just pulls away from sides of pan, about 25 minutes.

    Step 2

    Pour polenta into a lightly oiled 8-inch square baking dish; let cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled and set, about 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

    Step 3

    Heat broiler, with rack 5 inches from heat. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add remaining 3/4 cup broth and cook until reduced by half, about

    Step 4

    minutes. Stir in cream and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm. 4 Meanwhile, heat a rimmed baking sheet in oven, 5 minutes. Cut polenta into 8 wedges and pat wedges dry. Lightly brush both sides with 1 1/2 teaspoons oil. Toss asparagus with remaining 1/2 teaspoon oil. Spread asparagus on one half of hot sheet and season with salt and pepper; arrange polenta wedges evenly on other half.

    Step 5

    Broil until asparagus is crisp-tender and polenta is golden, about 6 minutes, rotating sheet and tossing asparagus halfway through. Serve polenta and asparagus with mushrooms.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 6

    (Per Serving)

    Step 7

    Calories: 261

    Step 8

    Fat: 9.2g (2.4g Saturated Fat)

    Step 9

    Protein: 12.8g

    Step 10

    Carbohydrates: 32g

    Step 11

    Fiber: 3.2g

Everyday Food: Light
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