How to Make Italian Polenta Casserole - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors and comforting dishes, and one staple of this beloved cooking tradition is polenta. This cornmeal-based dish has been a cornerstone of Italian culinary history for centuries, and it remains a favorite today for its versatility and hearty texture. One delightful way to showcase the deliciousness of polenta is by preparing an Italian Polenta Casserole.

This casserole is a true celebration of Italian flavors, combining creamy polenta wit...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (14 ounce) can cherry tomatoes
  • ¼ cup fresh basil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon red wine
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup polenta
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups finely shredded Italian-style cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 55 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
  • Combine cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, red wine, and 1/8 teaspoon salt for marinara in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to puree. Set aside.
  • Bring water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in polenta slowly, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Bring back to a boil; reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Pecorino Romano cheese and butter.
  • Pour 1/2 of the polenta into the prepared casserole dish. Top with 1/2 of the sliced zucchini, overlapping slices slightly. Top zucchini with 1/2 of the marinara sauce, then sprinkle with 1/2 of the Italian-style cheese. Repeat layers one more time.
  • Bake, covered, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until cheese on top is slightly brown, about 10 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Nutrition

    318 cal.

    • Total Fat: 19g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 55mg
    • Sodium: 1036mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 21g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 17g
    • Vitamin C: 18mg
    • Calcium: 502mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 262mg