Oven Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms and Thyme

Ingredients for Oven Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms and Thyme

• 675g mixed mushrooms (such as crimini, shiitake, oyster, and/or maitake), torn into 1" pieces

• 4 sprigs thyme, plus leaves for serving

• 6 garlic cloves, smashed

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 230g polenta

• 110g Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• Flaky sea salt

Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 163°C. Combine mushrooms, thyme sprigs, and garlic on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season generously with kosher salt and pepper; drizzle with oil. Toss to coat mushrooms, then spread out in an even layer. Transfer to upper rack in oven and let mushrooms roast while you prepare polenta.

Bring 1075ml water to a simmer in a large ovenproof saucepan over medium-high heat. Add butter and a generous pinch of kosher salt and whisk to melt butter. Gradually add polenta, whisking constantly. Return mixture to a boil, immediately cover pot, and transfer to lower rack in oven. Bake polenta, shaking baking sheet with mushrooms occasionally, until polenta is tender, 25–30 minutes.

Remove polenta from oven. Crank up oven temperature as high as it will go (but don’t grill). Continue to cook mushrooms until crisp around the edges, 5–10 minutes longer.

Meanwhile, carefully uncover polenta and whisk vigorously, scraping bottom of pan, until polenta is smooth and thick. Gradually add 110g Parmesan, whisking constantly until melted and incorporated; taste and season with more kosher salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm over low heat while mushrooms finish roasting.

Remove mushrooms from oven; drizzle with vinegar. Toss to coat; let cool slightly.

Divide polenta among bowls and top with mushrooms, thyme leaves, sea salt, and more Parmesan.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.