Goat Cheese Polenta with Roasted Ratatouille
Enjoy a comforting and elegant meal with creamy Goat Cheese Polenta paired with vibrant, slow-roasted Ratatouille vegetables. This dish offers a harmonious blend of tangy goat cheese, smooth polenta, and caramelized Mediterranean veggies, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Polenta Base
- 1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Roasted Ratatouille Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 medium eggplant, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop zucchini, eggplant, red bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onion into even-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, fresh thyme, basil, salt, and pepper until well-coated. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are caramelized and tender.
- Cook the Polenta: Bring water or vegetable broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in the polenta to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes or until the polenta is thick and creamy.
- Add Goat Cheese: Remove the polenta from heat and stir in crumbled goat cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy and tangy base.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve a generous scoop of the creamy goat cheese polenta on plates or bowls. Top with a hearty portion of the warm roasted ratatouille. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Stir polenta constantly while cooking to avoid lumps and achieve silky texture.
- Cut vegetables to similar sizes for even roasting.
- Use fresh, high-quality goat cheese for best flavor and creaminess.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure vegetables roast evenly rather than steam.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme after roasting for a bright, fresh flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: goat cheese polenta, roasted ratatouille, creamy polenta, Mediterranean vegetables, gluten free, vegetarian, comfort food