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Polenta Squares with Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pesto Recipe

Polenta Squares with Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pesto Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 19 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer/Main Course
  • Method: Baking/Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious and elegant Polenta Squares topped with flavorful Garlic Shrimp and vibrant Spinach Pesto. This dish is perfect for entertaining or as a special family meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Polenta Squares:

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup coarse polenta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Garlic Shrimp/ Prawn:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb (500g) raw shrimp/ prawn, peeled and deveined, tails off
  • salt and pepper to taste

Spinach Pesto:

  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • juice from 1/2 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Make polenta: In a large saucepan, simmer water, add polenta, whisk until thick. Add butter, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  2. Prepare polenta squares: Chill polenta, slice, bake until warm.
  3. Make Spinach Pesto: Blend spinach, pine nuts, lemon juice, zest, and olive oil. Season and refrigerate.
  4. Cook Garlic Shrimp: Sauté garlic, add shrimp, cook until pink.
  5. Assemble: Place polenta squares, top with pesto and shrimp. Serve.

Notes

  • For a variation, try using basil or arugula instead of spinach in the pesto.
  • Adjust the level of garlic in the shrimp according to your preference.
  • Leftover polenta squares can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg