Creamy Polenta with Black Beans and Spinach

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €6.04 · €1.01/serving

• Olive oil cooking mistEst. price €0.08–€0.18
• 1 tablespoon of premium extra virgin olive oilEst. price €0.15–€0.40
• 1/4 cup of thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes packed in oilEst. price €0.60–€1.20
• Freshly ground pepper, to tasteEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 2 to 3 cloves of fresh garlic, finely minced (crush for maximum flavor)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• One 15- to 16-ounce can of black beans, thoroughly drained and rinsedEst. price €0.80–€1.60
• Two 18-ounce cylinders of cornmeal polentaEst. price €3.00–€5.50
• 1 teaspoon of aromatic ground cuminEst. price €0.05–€0.12
• 5 to 6 ounces of tender baby spinach leavesEst. price €1.25–€2.50

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by trimming the edges of the polenta tubes and slicing each tube into 12 pieces approximately half an inch thick. Preheat a broad nonstick griddle, generously coated with olive oil cooking spray. Place the polenta slices on the griddle, ensuring even spacing. Cook over medium-high heat until both sides are golden and crispy, which should take around 8 minutes per side.

2. 2

   Begin by heating olive oil in a wide skillet or stir-fry pan. Introduce the garlic into the pan and cook it over low heat for about a minute until it turns a golden hue.

3. 3

   Combine the beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and cumin in the pan. Gently mix everything together while cooking on medium heat until warmed through.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal, and black beans are commonly used in Latin American cuisine. This fusion dish brings together flavors and ingredients from both cultures to create a delicious and wholesome meal.

• Seasonal note

  This dish is great to make year-round as most of the ingredients are pantry items, but you can enhance it with fresh ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach during the summer and fall months.

• Health note

  Creamy polenta with black beans is a nutritious dish packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and vitamins A and C. The fiber content helps with digestion and can aid in weight management.