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Polenta Breakfast Bowl

Warm, creamy polenta served with sauteed cherry tomatoes, wilted spinach, and cooked eggs. A savory Italian-American morning meal.

30 minEasyServes 2420 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanBreakfastStovetopVegetarianGluten-FreeNut-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring 3 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Whisk in 1 cup yellow cornmeal, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes while stirring until smooth.

  3. 3

    Stir 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the polenta until melted, then remove from heat.

  4. 4

    Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 2 cups fresh spinach, and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.

  5. 5

    Fry 2 large eggs in the skillet to your desired doneness.

  6. 6

    Divide polenta into bowls and top with sauteed vegetables and eggs.

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Questions

How long does Polenta Breakfast Bowl take?

As written, 30 minutes: 10 of prep and 20 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 2 (15 minutes): "Whisk in 1 cup yellow cornmeal, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes while stirring until smooth."

Is there a substitute for Parmesan in Polenta Breakfast Bowl?

The entry for Polenta Breakfast Bowl calls for 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. In its place: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, measure for measure. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast at half the volume.

Can I make Polenta Breakfast Bowl dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Polenta Breakfast Bowl is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Polenta Breakfast Bowl vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated and 2 large eggs. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan breakfast collection.

Does Polenta Breakfast Bowl contain eggs?

Yes: 2 large eggs. The full allergen list for this entry is dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

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