Polenta Pie
A hearty polenta pie layered with rich tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare polenta according to package directions and in the amount desired.
- Butter a baking dish of appropriate size and spread a layer of polenta on the bottom.
- Pour some tomato sauce over the polenta.
- Sprinkle with cubed mozzarella and any other meat or vegetable you are using.
- Add remaining polenta on top.
- Sprinkle with sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, rosemary, and olive oil.
- Bake in a 350° F oven until hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes.
- Let rest, then cut and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of butter or cheese to the polenta before spreading it in the baking dish. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, feel free to substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely for a vegan recipe. Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Polenta Pie with a side of Insalata Agro-Dolce (Sweet And Sour Italian Salad) for a refreshing contrast. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs can enhance the dish's flavor. This hearty pie pairs well with a light red wine or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Polenta Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Adding a splash of tomato sauce can help keep it moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polenta Pie contains roughly 398 calories, with 14g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (158% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (155% of the Daily Value), and calcium (96% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1836mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Polenta Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Polenta Pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for a quick dinner option.
What can I use instead of stewed tomatoes?
If you don't have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes can be great substitutes. You can also add extra herbs and spices to mimic the flavor of Italian-style stewed tomatoes.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Polenta Pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).