Parmesan Polenta With Vegetables

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This 30-minute meal combines creamy parmesan polenta with sautéed mushrooms and asparagus, topped with poached eggs and fresh thyme for a healthy, satisfying dish.

Ranah
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:28:05 GMT
A plate of creamy polenta topped with poached eggs, sautéed mushrooms, and asparagus, garnished with thyme and black pepper. Pin it
A plate of creamy polenta topped with poached eggs, sautéed mushrooms, and asparagus, garnished with thyme and black pepper. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

I discovered this Parmesan Polenta with Vegetables & Eggs during a cozy weekend morning when I craved something both comforting and nourishing. Now it's become our favorite any-time meal. The way that creamy, cheesy polenta cradles those perfectly cooked vegetables and that golden egg yolk creates pure magic on a plate. It's the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savor every bite.

Why This Recipe Brings Joy

What I love most about this dish is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels both nurturing and indulgent. That creamy polenta base is pure comfort, while those seasonal vegetables and perfectly poached eggs add color and nutrition. It's become my go-to recipe when I want to show someone I care through food.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Good Polenta: The real stuff from a bag not those pre-cooked tubes
  • Fresh Parmesan: Please grate your own it makes such a difference
  • Beautiful Mushrooms: I love cremini for their earthy flavor
  • Crisp Asparagus: Or whatever's looking fresh at the market
  • Farm Fresh Eggs: The fresher the better for poaching
  • Good Olive Oil: It adds such lovely richness
  • Fresh Garlic: Because everything's better with garlic
  • Fresh Thyme: From my garden when possible

Let's Create Together

Start With The Veggies:
Watch those mushrooms turn golden while asparagus stays bright green pure kitchen magic
Polenta Magic:
Slow and steady wins the race here constant stirring creates silky smoothness
Perfect Poached Eggs:
That little swirl in the water helps create beautiful eggs every time
Bringing It All Together:
Layer with love starting with creamy polenta then our vegetables and that perfect egg on top
A plate of creamy polenta topped with sautéed mushrooms, poached eggs, and asparagus, garnished with fresh thyme. Pin it
A plate of creamy polenta topped with sautéed mushrooms, poached eggs, and asparagus, garnished with fresh thyme. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

My Best Tips

After many mornings of making this dish I've learned that patience with polenta pays off. Keep whisking as you add it to the water no one likes lumpy polenta! And for those eggs a splash of vinegar in the water helps them stay together beautifully.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I'll use whatever vegetables are in season zucchini in summer cherry tomatoes in late summer. Fresh herbs change with my garden's offerings and sometimes I'll swap the eggs for grilled chicken when we need a change. The recipe welcomes your creativity.

Perfect Pairings

We love this for any meal of the day. A simple side salad makes it complete for lunch or dinner and sometimes I'll drizzle a bit of truffle oil on top for special occasions. It's comfort food that still feels light and fresh.

Keeping It Fresh

If you have leftover polenta it reheats beautifully with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. The vegetables can be prepped ahead too though I always make fresh eggs just before serving. It's all about those perfect runny yolks!

A plate of creamy polenta topped with sautéed mushrooms, two poached eggs, and grilled asparagus, garnished with herbs. Pin it
A plate of creamy polenta topped with sautéed mushrooms, two poached eggs, and grilled asparagus, garnished with herbs. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of polenta should I use?

Use dry polenta that comes in a bag or box, not pre-cooked polenta in a tube. For gluten-free diets, ensure it's certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

→ How do I adjust polenta consistency?

Add small amounts of water while cooking until you reach your desired texture. More water creates a thinner, creamier consistency.

→ Can I make this ahead?

While best served fresh, leftovers keep for 3 days. Reheat with extra water as polenta thickens when cooled. Cook fresh eggs when serving.

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, substitute with any seasonal vegetables. Adjust cooking times based on vegetable thickness and type to ensure proper tenderness.

→ What if I can't poach eggs?

You can top with fried or soft-boiled eggs instead. The goal is to have a runny yolk that creates a sauce when mixed with the polenta.

Conclusion

This 30-minute meal combines creamy parmesan polenta with sautéed mushrooms and asparagus, topped with poached eggs and fresh thyme for a healthy, satisfying dish.

Parmesan Polenta With Vegetables

A comforting bowl of creamy parmesan polenta topped with seasonal vegetables and perfectly poached eggs. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and nutritionally balanced.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Yield: 2 Servings (2 bowls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 ½ cup dry polenta.
02 ¼ cup olive oil, divided.
03 ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated.
04 2 garlic cloves, minced.
05 3 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced.
06 10 asparagus spears, cut in thirds.
07 2 large eggs.
08 1 tablespoon fresh thyme.
09 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil 2 cups salted water. Whisk in polenta, stir until thickened.

Step 02

Heat 2 tablespoons oil, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add mushrooms and asparagus, cook 10 minutes.

Step 03

Stir parmesan and remaining oil into polenta. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and rest.

Step 04

Poach eggs in separate saucepan.

Step 05

Plate polenta, top with vegetables and eggs. Garnish with thyme.

Notes

  1. Use bagged polenta, not pre-cooked tube.
  2. Can add water for thinner consistency.
  3. Keeps 3 days in fridge.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Large pan.
  • Small saucepan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (parmesan).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 18 g