Catalan Sauteed Polenta and Butter Beans
This dish is a satisfying vegetarian meal complete with spinach, beans and polenta, inspired by classic Spanish flavors. Note: Look for smoked paprika with other specialty spices; it's available in three varieties: sweet, bittersweet and hot. Sweet is the most versatile, but if you like a little bit of heat, choose the hot variety. You can find Spanish products in specialty-foods stores or online at tienda.com. Make it a Meal: Enjoy with a green salad tossed with sherry vinaigrette and a glass of Jean-Luc Colombo Cotes du Rhone.
Ingredients
  • 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 16-ounce tube prepared plain polenta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika, preferably smoked, plus more for garnish (see Note)
  • 1 15-ounce can butter beans, rinsed
  • 4 cups packed baby spinach
  • 3/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded Manchego or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
Directions
1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add polenta and cook in a single layer, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
2. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and garlic to the pan, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring, until just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in beans, spinach and broth; cook, stirring, until the beans are heated through and the spinach is wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese and vinegar. Serve vegetables over polenta. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Per serving
Calories: 207
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 7mg
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Potassium: 578mg
Sodium: 689mg
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (120% daily value), Vitamin A (110% dv), Folate (23% dv), Calcium (20% dv), Potassium (19% dv)
SERVES: 4
PREP TIME: 35 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
LEVEL: Easy
MEETS THESE GUIDELINES:
Low Calorie
High Fiber
Low Sat Fat
Low Cholesterol
High Potassium
High Calcium
Heart Healthy
Healthy Weight
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