Ingredients

How to make it

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes, or until onion is soft.
  • Add spinach (or a combo of greens), ham, pepper and salt to taste. Saute for about 5 more minutes, or until greens are heatet through and no liquid remains.
  • Preheat oven to 400F. Line 8-inch round springform pan with aluminum foil. Spray bottom and sides of pan with non-stick cooking sparay. (You can also use a 2-1/2 quart baking dish, if don't have a springform pan. In that case, you'll have to spoon the torte directly from the dish, instead of unmolding it.)
  • Bring 4 cups water to a light boil in a large saucepan. Stir together remaining 1 cup water, the cornmeal, and salt in a bowl. Gradually stir cornmeal mixture into boiling water. Use whisk to mix smooth. Reduce heat to med.-low and simmer, stirring CONSTANTLY for about 5-8 more minutes.
  • Spread 1/3 of polenta (cornmeal mixture) in prepared dish. Cover with half the greens, half the Parmesan and 1/3 of Mozzarella. Repeat layering one more time. Spread with remaining polenta and sprinkle with remaining Mozzarella.
  • Bake in preheated 400F oven for 30 minutes. The top should get golden brown. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before unmolding. If using springform pan, remove sides and slice. If using a baking dish, just spoon the torte out in portions.
cooking polenta   Close
assemble the torte   Close
a slice on plate   Close

Reviews & Comments 20

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  • NPMarie 10 years ago Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    misslizzi ate it and said...
    OMG, Juels, you are AMAZING!!!
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    " It was excellent "
    lunasea ate it and said...
    Another killer recipe from you...I love you and your polenta torte. This Southern gal loves her grits and polenta and this flavorful torte just floats my flavor boat. Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes. I keep saving them and plan on trying each one - they are marvelous and so inviting. Forks and beauty flags for you, my sweet friend. Gosh - I am starving here! *hugs and grumbling of my tummy* :)
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    trigger ate it and said...
    Everyone is talking about this by the way all great reports now I have to move it up on my to make list.
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  • juels 15 years ago
    Thanks, Lillian, for adding the last picture to this recipe! It look gorgeous! So glad you made it and enjoyed it!
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  • knoxcop 15 years ago
    Oh my dog. Where have you been hiding this one, Girly? Boy I'm tellin' ya, this sounds like a piece of heaven on a plate. Everything the guys love in here and guess what's on the table this week? lol Thanks! --Kn0x--
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    lilliancooks ate it and said...
    I made this tonight and it is soooo good! Its a slice of polenta heaven! I love all the flavors in this dish! I made it as written except I prepared the polenta with 6 1/2 cups of water instead of 5. Its so much easier to spread when its not too thick. I always use an electric hand mixer to whip up the polenta while its cooking. I never get any lumps that way! And it cooks in about 2 minutes! I assembled the torte in a buttered 8"x12" glass baking dish. This tastes much better the more you let it cool. This way the polenta soaks up all the flavors of the sauteed veggies and the cheeses! 10 Forks!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    trigger ate it and said...
    Your recipe is spectacular you are a wizard worthy of the highest praise for your creation.
    Flagged as beautiful those step by steps are a big help.
    Five forks and a big smile form one who loves polenta recipes.
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    chichimonkeyface ate it and said...
    great!
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  • mrjwjohnson 15 years ago
    You did it again...yummy!
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  • notyourmomma 15 years ago
    Gorgeous photos and great combination of flavors. You say polenta and I say grits, LOL. Definitely on the short list of foods to make. This looks like a winner for sure. Have a great day, dear.
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  • juels 15 years ago
    You can definitely go meat-free here, you can also use other meats of your choice, like grilled chicken, for example. This one offers a lot of room for experimenting!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    lori4flavor ate it and said...
    This sounds yummy, Juels, and makes for a very pretty presentation! I have never used polenta, other than frying it in butter and topping it with syrup :P I'm thinking this could even be turned into a meatless dish, replacing the ham with some roasted red peppers. Bookmarked + ^5
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    crabhappychick ate it and said...
    Sounds wonderful and a great combination of flavors. Gotta try this one soon...in fact, printing it out now. 5, hon.
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  • juels 15 years ago
    It doesn't rise, Otterpond. The thickness you have in the beginning is what the end result should be.
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    " It was excellent "
    peetabear ate it and said...
    This looks interesting... will give it a try.. five forks for you
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  • otterpond 15 years ago
    I have never worked with polenta. I was wondering if it will rise if you cooked the batter in a skillet like a big pancake? I don't have a spring form pan but I have made pancakes from different flours to use in layering recipes. Your insight from experience would be very appreciated.
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    lilliancooks ate it and said...
    I LOVE POLENTA!!! You must of read my mind!!! I've been trying to think of different ways to make polenta and I think this may be just what I was looking for! I'm going to try this during the week! Great idea for making polenta Juels!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    momo_55grandma ate it and said...
    fantastic juels great presentation wonderful photos great delicous post high5 thanks
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    gagagrits ate it and said...
    Morning Jules, this sounds great for dinner tonight, I will use grits and spinach, thanks you do keep comming up with the best recipes....:)
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