Easy Tomato Basil Polenta

Take a break from the usual dinner starch!  Pre-cooked polenta is a perfect blank slate for flavor.  This polenta has the classic combination of tomato, garlic, and basil.  It’s a refreshing new side dish that can be ready in a snap!

Makes 4 servings

1 (18 oz) package of pre-cooked 

       polenta, chopped (I like“Food  

       Merchants” brand)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium tomato, chopped

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth,

        gluten free (I like "Pacific" brand)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese shavings

¼ cup chopped basil

                 

       Heat extra virgin olive oil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, add chopped polenta pieces, tomato, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.  Stir to combine the ingredients.  Cook on low heat for 5-6 minutes or until the texture is to your liking.  As it cooks, use a whisk to break up the polenta chunks.  Top each serving with chopped basil and Parmesan shavings.  Serve with Lauren Marie’s Chicken Sausage Stir Fry. 

Lauren Marie’s Tips:

*If you are serving this as a stand-alone side, feel free to increase the flavor profile with a ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese.

*I like my polenta to have the texture of mash potatoes.  But if you like yours a bit creamier just whisk in more broth one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the texture you want.