Creamy Polenta with Roasted Carrot, Fennel and Poached Egg
A comforting vegetarian main course this cheesy polenta bowl has earthy roasted carrots, fragrant fennel and soft poached egg. This recipe makes 2 very generous servings but can easily be doubled.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Fall, Vegetarian, Winter
Keyword Carrot, Cornmeal, Eggs, Fennel, Polenta
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 40 minutesminutes
Servings 2servings
Calories 629kcal
Equipment
metal baking tray
pot for polenta
pot for poaching eggs
Ingredients
1fennel bulb
2largecarrots
3tablespoonsolive oil
2clovesgarlic
3sprigsfresh thyme
1teaspoonsalt
0.5teaspoonblack pepper
500mlwateror milk - about 2 cups
¾cupcoarse polenta120 grams
2tablespoonsbutter
0.25cupgrated PecorinoGruyère, or other strong aged cheese
0.5teaspoonvinegar
Instructions
roast vegetables
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) convection.
Trim and pat dry fennel and carrots. Cut fennel into thin wedges and carrots into similar-sized batons.
Toss fennel and carrots with olive oil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a metal tray.
Roast 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and caramelized. Non-convection setting may need 25-30 minutes.
make polenta
Meanwhile, bring 500 ml (2 cups) water and/or milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Gradually whisk in 120 g (¾ cup) coarse polenta.
Lower heat to low and cook 15–20 minutes, stirring regularly, until thick and creamy.
Once polenta is cooked and smooth, stir in butter and grated cheese. Season to taste.
poach eggs
Bring a shallow pot of water to a gentle simmer (not boiling). Add vinegar to help the whites set.
Crack eggs into small cups and slide into water.
Poach 3–4 minutes for soft yolks. Remove with slotted spoon and drain.
assemble
Divide polenta between two bowls. Top with roasted vegetables and two poached eggs per bowl.
Finish with black pepper and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.