Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushroom Ragout

A comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring creamy polenta and a savory wild mushroom ragout. Nutty polenta pairs with a mushroom medley, finished with a bright acidic finish for balance and a silky texture throughout.

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 4 servings)

Ingredients(scaled)

  • ½ cup instant polenta
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced
  • 1 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ 1/4 cup grated parmesan or pecorino
  • ½ tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp age or mushroom-friendly brown butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring water, milk, salt to a boil, then whisk in polenta; reduce heat and simmer 15–20 min, stirring until thick and smooth.
  2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan; sauté mushrooms until golden and tender, 6–8 min, then add garlic and cook 1 min.
  3. Deglaze with white wine, cook 2–3 min until reduced, stir in broth and thyme; simmer 8–10 min until ragout thickens.
  4. Stir in parmesan, lemon juice, and brown butter if using; adjust seasoning.
  5. Spoon polenta into bowls and top with ragout; serve hot with extra cheese if desired.

Chef’s Pro Tips

  • Stir polenta frequently to prevent lumps and clumping.
  • For extra creaminess, whisk in a splash of hot milk at the end.
  • Use a mix of mushrooms for deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple arugula salad and a pinch of chili flakes for brightness.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
calories
protein
carbs
fat

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