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Layered Polenta Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 95 reviews

This Layered Polenta Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring creamy polenta layers alternating with a rich tomato and olive sauce, topped with a smooth white sauce and melted Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian main or side dish, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying baked casserole that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Polenta Layer

  • 1 cup Polenta
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • Pinch Salt
  • Pinch Ground Black Pepper

Tomato Sauce Layer

  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 10 Olives (whole or sliced)
  • Pinch Salt
  • Pinch Ground Black Pepper
  • Basil (optional, to taste)

White Sauce

  • 1 Tablespoon Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon All-purpose Flour
  • 1 3/4 cups Milk
  • Pinch Salt
  • Pinch Ground Black Pepper

Topping

  • Parmesan Cheese (quantity not specified, approximately 1/2 cup shredded)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Polenta: In a saucepan, combine the polenta, water, milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes. Be attentive as polenta cooks quickly and can burn; remove from heat once it begins to boil.
  2. Layer Polenta: Spread half of the cooked polenta evenly into a baking dish to form the first layer.
  3. Prepare White Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  5. Mix Tomato Sauce Layer: Combine the tomato sauce with olives, basil (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Spread the tomato mixture evenly over the polenta layer in the baking dish. Then, add the remaining polenta on top to create the next layer. Spread the prepared white sauce over the top polenta layer, ensuring an even creamy coating.
  7. Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the white sauce layer. Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Keep a close eye on the polenta while cooking to prevent burning.
  • Use whole or sliced olives according to your preference for texture.
  • Basil is optional but adds freshness and aroma to the tomato sauce.
  • You can adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese according to taste.
  • This dish can be served as a main vegetarian meal or a side dish.
  • Make sure to whisk the white sauce continuously to avoid lumps.

Keywords: polenta casserole, layered polenta, baked polenta, tomato sauce casserole, vegetarian casserole, Italian casserole

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/layered-polenta-casserole-recipe/