Polenta with Chickpeas and Mozzarella

This delicious dish combines the smooth texture of polenta with a hearty chickpea and tomato sauce, topped with creamy mozzarella. It's a comforting recipe with origins rooted in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

80 g polenta
0.5 l water
10 g hard cheese

Sauce

480 g tomato sauce
480 g drained chickpeas
20 ml extra virgin olive oil
2 celery stalks
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
Fennel seeds, anise seeds, or other spices of choice

For Serving

1 burrata or buffalo mozzarella
Sprouts or arugula

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat olive oil in a pan over low heat.
Add finely chopped celery, minced garlic, thyme, your choice of spices, and a pinch of salt for seasoning.
Sauté this mixture for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the garlic to soften.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, enhancing the depth of flavor in your dish.
Add the tomato sauce and chickpeas, stirring well to combine.
Let the mixture simmer for approximately 20 minutes, until it thickens to a rich sauce.
While the sauce simmers, bring the water to a boil in a separate pot.
Gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook the polenta for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Incorporate the grated hard cheese and a bit of salt into the polenta, stirring to melt the cheese evenly.
To serve, spoon the creamy polenta onto each plate.
Top with a generous amount of the chickpea and tomato sauce, using only half, reserving the rest for another meal.
Tear burrata or mozzarella into pieces, placing a quarter on each plate.
Garnish with fresh arugula or sprouts for an added burst of freshness.
Serve immediately and enjoy a beautifully balanced meal!

Tips

Substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Adjust the flavors by adding a little chili for heat or lemon zest for a citrus twist.
The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, enhancing flavor over time.

Nutritions

Calories: 300 per serving
Protein: 12g
Fats: 15g
Carbs: 35g

Variations

Protein Option: Add grilled chicken or tofu for additional protein.
Vegetable Mix: Include sautéed mushrooms or eggplants for more texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
Pair with a glass of light red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Best Places

Trattoria Polenta - Renowned for its rustic polenta dishes. Location: Via Roma, Florence, Italy.
Cafe Roma - Famous for Italian comfort food. Location: Market Street, San Francisco, USA.
Osteria Gallo - A hidden gem serving classic Italian meals. Location: Baker Street, London, UK.
La Piazza - Offers an extensive menu of polenta and more. Location: Main Road, Sydney, Australia.
Ristorante di Paolo - Known for traditional Italian cuisine. Location: Lombard Street, Rome, Italy.
Little Venice - Celebrated for its imaginative Mediterranean dishes. Location: Queen's Road, New Delhi, India.
Al Fresco - Offers a unique twist on Italian favorites. Location: Beach Drive, Miami, USA.
Sapori Italiani - A local favorite with authentic flavors. Location: King Street, Toronto, Canada.
Gusto Toscana - Reputed for its hearty meals. Location: Champs-Elysées, Paris, France.
La Cantina - Serves delightful dishes with fresh ingredients. Location: Van Buren Street, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Enjoy your culinary journey with this exquisite polenta recipe and explore its charming variations!