Spinach & polenta soufflé - wheat free recipe
Too many people avoid using polenta because they think that it's boring and bland. Well the truth is, it is boring and bland on it's own. The secret is to add other ingredients and flavours to it to make the most of it's cheap, filling and easy to use properties.
We've added cheese and spinach to it, baked it in the oven, and served it with ripe flavourful tomatoes drizzled in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh basil to make a really tasty meal. If you've never tried polenta then give this recipe a go, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
dietary information: | |
| wheat free |
|
| gluten free |
|
| nut free |
|
| dairy free |
|
| vegetarian |
|
| vegan |
|
serves 2-4
| 2 | tsp | olive oil |
| ½ | onion, finely chopped | |
| 400 | ml | semi-skimmed milk (cows or goat) |
| 300 | ml | water |
| 125 | g | polenta (instant version, not ready made) |
| 3 | large | egg yolks |
| 3 | large | egg whites |
| 175 | g | spinach, coarsely chopped |
| 75 | g | cheese, grated (strong flavour is best) |
| freshly ground black pepper |
preheat oven: 200°C, fan 180°C, 400°F, Gas 6
| 1. | Lightly oil an ovenproof baking dish that has approximately 1.2 litres (2 pint) capacity. |
| 2. | Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and gently cook the chopped onion until it is golden brown, making sure that it doesn't burn. Add the semi-skimmed milk and water and bring to the boil. |
| 3. | While the fluid is coming to the boil put the egg whites into a large, clean bowl and whisk them until they reach the soft peak stage. Put aside. |
| 4. | Pour the polenta into the boiling fluid in the saucepan, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. Make sure that the polenta has completely mixed without any lumps visible (apart from the onion of course). Polenta will bubble volcanically so make sure that you protect your hands and forearms while mixing to avoid getting an unpleasant burn. Remove the saucepan from the heat. |
| 5. | Beat the egg yolks into the polenta mixture, then add the grated cheese, freshly ground pepper and the chopped spinach. |
| 6. | Using a large metal spoon, fold the eggs whites into the polenta mixture taking care not to knock out the trapped air. It is best to add the egg whites in 3-4 lots to make it easier to fold in. |
| 7. | Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. At the end of cooking the souffle should be slightly puffed up and golden brown on top. |
| 8. | Remove from the oven and serve immediately with sliced tomatoes drizzled in olive oil and balsamic vinegar with some shredded basil leaves. This soufflé needs to be eaten hot. |
This spinach & polenta soufflé makes a really filling and nutritious lunch, or you could serve it with a full salad or steamed vegetables for a tasty vegetarian dinner.
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