Creamy Pumpkin Polenta
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This comforting Creamy Pumpkin Polenta is the perfect autumn dinner. You’ll LOVE the warm fall flavors and how quick and easy it is to make.
I'm still struggling to get over summer's disappearance, but this warm bowl of pumpkin polenta is helping ease the pain. I'm a summer girl, through and through. Beaches, sundresses, and sandals make me happy. Bulky sweaters make me feel like I'm being held hostage and the cold makes me want to hide. This year, when the rain and cold came early, I was mad. Seriously, I was SO mad. I felt like summer was ripped away from me too quickly. I need time to ease into the changing seasons. Long, drawn-out goodbyes are my thing.
What's got me out of my grouchy autumn slump is all the pumpkin recipes popping up all over my computer screen. While I can do without the cold air and falling leaves (Yes, they're pretty, but they're DYING. It's depressing.) I totally love warm autumn meals. Big bowls of soup, chilies, squash, pumpkin … I love it all.
It was this very bowl of pumpkin polenta that made me start to accept the coming winter. I mean really, it's pretty hard to stay mad at something that looks so warm and inviting. It's soft, creamy and flavored with goat cheese, pumpkin and butternut squash. It'll warm you to your core and make you happy to stay in out of the cold.
Speaking of staying out of the cold, isn't it so much easier to work when the weather turns sour? I have no problem at all sitting put in front of my computer when it's raining and miserable outside. I mean really, who wants to go outside, get soaking wet, and freeze to death? Not me. No thanks. Fairweather girl here, all the way.
So that was two. Two little reasons to be happy for autumn. Pumpkin polenta and working. It's not a very impressive list, but I'll take it.
Now I'm going to get back to watching the rainfall, searching Pinterest for every fall recipe in existence (err, I mean working) and eating another bowl of pumpkin polenta.
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Vegetarian Fall Recipes:
- Autumn Roasted Pumpkin Curry
- Best Kale Minestrone Soup
- Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry
- Sage Pumpkin Pasta Bake with Kale and Buttered Pecans
- Late Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
- Autumn Quinoa Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
Pumpkin Polenta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash (cut into cubes – roast the seeds, if you'd like)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon butter
- ½ medium yellow onion (finely minced)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups whole milk (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 tablespoons goat cheese
- 4 cups spinach
- 1 cup canned pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
Instructions
- Turn your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Put the butternut squash on the tray and toss it with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Put the pan into the oven (you don't need to wait for it to finish preheating) and roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, or until it is tender.1 small butternut squash
- Add the remaining teaspoon of oil and the butter to a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is soft and brown, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute.1 teaspoon butter, ½ medium yellow onion, 1 clove garlic
- Add the polenta, milk, and sea salt to the pot with the onions. Bring it to a boil then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the polenta, stirring occasionally, until it resembles mashed potatoes, about 12-15 minutes.1 cup polenta, 4 cups whole milk
- Stir in the goat cheese, spinach, pumpkin, sage, and roasted butternut squash. Season to taste with sea salt.1 teaspoon sea salt, 4 tablespoons goat cheese, 4 cups spinach, 1 cup canned pureed pumpkin, 1 teaspoon dried sage
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our pumpkin recipes!
