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Polenta Tart with Green garlic for Green Garlic and Spinach
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5 from 1 vote

Polenta Tart with Green Garlic and Spinach

This gluten free crust makes a fabulous crust for most any savory tart. Makes one tart. Cut into 6 or 8 wedges for main course or 10 to 12 as an appetizer.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Servings: 1 9-inch tart

Ingredients

For the polenta:

  • ¾ cup vegetable broth
  • ¾ cup water
  • ½ cup polenta grits
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese

For the filling:

  • 1 bunch fresh spinach , about 8 ounces, well washed, stems removed and coarsely chopped
  • ½ cup up to 1 cup chopped green garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed or olive oil
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 egg
  • 8 ounces ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 tablespoons chopped chives
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chive petals
  • Tomato sauce , optional

Instructions

Make the polenta:

  • Whisk the vegetable broth, water, olive oil, salt, and polenta and in a microwave-proof bowl. Cover and cook on highest power for five minutes. Stir well, cover again and cook for another five minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cover and cook for two more minutes.
  • Allow the polenta to cool a minute or so, then dollop into the lightly oiled pan of choice. While the polenta is still soft and warm, spread it around the bottom and sides of the pan with your fingers, wetting them if needed. Distribute the polenta as evenly as possible, but it can look rustic, since this is a rustic tart.

Make the filling and bake the tart:

  • Heat the grapeseed oil in a large skillet and sauté the green garlic until it is limp. Stir in the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach has completely wilted. Sprinkle with a dash of balsamic vinegar and some salt and pepper.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Beat the egg and ricotta cheese in a bowl. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, the cooked garlic and spinach, thyme and chives, reserving the purple thyme blossom for garnish. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread the mixture into the polenta crust.
  • Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until there are hints of golden brown in the crust and the ricotta filling. Sprinkle with the purple chive flowers and allow to cool slightly before cutting.
  • Serve on plates with tomato sauce, if desired.