Mushroom Polenta Squares

1. 1

   Bring 2.5 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cornmeal, whisking to prevent lumping few minutes. Add corn, thyme, and salt and pepper. Turn heat to low and continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the polenta becomes too stiff, add a little more water. (You might have to add up to a cup more water-add 1/4 cup at a time.)

2. 2

   Meanwhile, heat a large saute pan over medium heat. When hot, add olive oil and garlic. Cook for about a minute until garlic is fragrant. Add mushrooms and salt, and continue to cook for about 4-6 minutes, until the mushrooms give off some liquid.

3. 3

   Add kale and about 2 tablespoons of water to the mushrooms, then cover the pot for about a minute, until the kale softens up.

4. 4

   Add the mushrooms and kale to the polenta. Be sure to add all the liquid from the mushrooms. Mix the cheese into the polenta, and spread the mixture into a parchment-lined Pyrex dish or 1/2 sheet pan. (The parchment should extend over the edges of the pan a bit, this will make it a lot easier to take out the set polenta later. Trust me.)

5. 5

   Place on a cooling rack for at least 1 hour, until the polenta cools completely and sets. The pan can be refrigerated for a few days before the next step.

6. 6

   When ready to serve, preheat oven to 350F. Cut polenta into squares. (Or any shapes you want. Use a cookie cutter!) Place squares on baking sheet and cook for 10 minutes until heated through.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.