Spinach Polenta with Mushrooms, Leek and Poached Egg
Prep Time: 15 mins. | Cook Time: 30 mins. | Serves: 4
Ingredients
Polenta:
4 cups (1L) water
2 cups (500 mL) chopped spinach
1 cup (250 mL) polenta
1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
¼ cup (60 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Mushrooms:
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1 lb (500 g) fresh mixed mushrooms (portabella, shiitake, oyster), coarsely chopped
1 large leek (white and light-green parts only), halved lengthwise, rinse and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
1/2 tbsp (15 mL) white wine vinegar
Poached Eggs:
4 large eggs
Water for poaching
1 tbsp (7 mL) white vinegar
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh chopped chives
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese
Method
Polenta:
1. In a large pot, over medium-high heat, bring water to a boil. Stir in chopped spinach. Slowly add polenta while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until polenta is smooth, 5-6 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cook polenta 25-30 minutes. Whisk often. Remove from heat and add butter, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Mushrooms:
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add leek and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and butter, heat until butter is melted. Add white wine vinegar and stir until the liquid evaporates, about 2-3 minutes. Set mushrooms aside.
Poached Egg:
3. In a large saucepan, bring 3 inches of water and a splash of white vinegar to a simmer over medium-low heat. Crack 1 egg into a small bowl. Gently stir the water in a circle, and then gently slip egg into water. Poach about 3-4 minutes, then remove egg with a slotted spoon and pat dry. Repeat with remaining eggs.
Assembly:
4. To assemble, spoon polenta into bowl, top with mushroom & leek mixture, and then poached egg. Add optional garnishes.