Chicken Spinach Polenta Layer Pie

Chicken Spinach Polenta Layer Pie Recipe from Chile with Portobello Mushrooms and Raisins

Region / culture: Chile | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Spinach Polenta Layer Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and nutritious spinach layered between creamy polenta. This recipe is perfect for a comforting family meal or a special dinner party.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian polenta dishes. Polenta has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, made from cornmeal cooked into a creamy porridge-like consistency. By layering the polenta with chicken, spinach, and other ingredients, this dish adds depth and complexity to the classic comfort food.

Ingredients

6 chicken breasts
2 cups water or chicken stock, to cover
6 large portobello mushrooms
1 red onion
1 tsp marjoram
1 tsp cumin
0.5 cup raisins
0.5 cup chopped black olives
4 hard-boiled eggs
1 tbsp cornflour
salt and pepper
500 g frozen spinach
3 cloves garlic
2 tbsp toasted chopped cashews
250 g instant polenta cornmeal
0.5 cup grated tasty cheese
1.5 liters water or stock
1 tsp salt

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to approximately 190°C.
Poach the chicken breasts in water or stock, and set the stock aside.
Shred the chicken.
Sauté the chopped onion.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until the juices run.
Add the cornflour, cumin, and oregano.
On low heat, gradually add about 300 ml of the stock from earlier to make a sauce.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Squeeze the spinach dry.
In a bowl, combine the spinach, toasted chopped cashews, and crushed garlic.
Mix well.
Boil 1.5 liters of salted water or stock.
Remove from heat and slowly add the polenta while stirring with a wooden spoon.
Place the pot back on heat and cook until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
Add the grated cheese and chopped ingredients.
Spread the mixture on a greased tray to a thickness of 1 cm, and bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until browned.
Cut the baked polenta to fit a casserole dish, enough for two layers.
Place the chicken mixture in the bottom of the casserole dish.
Arrange the sliced hard-boiled eggs and raisins on top.
Add a layer of grilled polenta.
Then, place the spinach mixture on top.
Finally, add the last layer of polenta.
Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes.

Variations

Try adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly season each layer of the dish to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile.

- Be sure to cook the polenta until it is thick and creamy to ensure a sturdy base for the layers.

- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Spinach Polenta Layer Pie with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Poaching the chicken breasts ensures they stay tender and juicy in the final dish.

- Sautéing the mushrooms and onions before adding them to the chicken mixture helps to develop their flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of this dish.

- Substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken mixture and polenta layers ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken Spinach Polenta Layer Pie with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

35g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K from the spinach, as well as iron and potassium from the chicken and mushrooms.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, nuts, and dairy.

Summary

This dish is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Spinach Polenta Layer Pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With layers of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and creamy polenta, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a beautiful Chicken Spinach Polenta Layer Pie that I came across in an old cookbook that had been passed down to me by my own grandmother. The thought of tender chicken, creamy polenta, and flavorful spinach all baked together in a delicious pie had my mouth watering before I even read the ingredients.

I decided to give the recipe a try, even though I had never made anything quite like it before. As I gathered the ingredients and started prepping, memories flooded back to me of all the different recipes I had learned over the years from various places and people. My grandmother had been my biggest inspiration in the kitchen, teaching me to cook with love and creativity.

I remembered the first time I learned how to make a simple chicken soup from scratch. My grandmother had shown me how to simmer the chicken with vegetables and herbs until the broth was rich and flavorful. She always stressed the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and I could taste the difference in every dish she made.

As I browned the chicken for the Chicken Spinach Polenta Layer Pie, I thought back to the time I spent in Italy learning how to make traditional polenta. I had watched in awe as the Italian nonna stirred the cornmeal into boiling water, creating a smooth and creamy base for a variety of toppings. I could still remember the taste of that first bite of polenta, warm and comforting on a chilly evening in Tuscany.

Next, I sautéed the spinach with garlic and olive oil, adding a touch of nutmeg for a hint of warmth. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, reminding me of the time I spent in France learning how to make classic French dishes. I had learned to appreciate the delicate balance of flavors and textures in French cuisine, and I knew that the spinach would add a beautiful layer of freshness to the pie.

Once all the components were ready, I began assembling the layers of the pie. I spread a thick layer of creamy polenta on the bottom of a baking dish, followed by tender pieces of chicken and sautéed spinach. I repeated the layers until the dish was filled to the brim, then topped it all off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

As I slid the pie into the oven to bake, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. I had learned so much over the years from my grandmother and from the many people I had met along the way. Each recipe taught me something new about flavors, techniques, and traditions, and I was grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing in the kitchen.

When the timer finally beeped and I pulled the Chicken Spinach Polenta Layer Pie out of the oven, it looked and smelled absolutely divine. The golden crust of the polenta was crispy and fragrant, while the layers of chicken and spinach peeked out from underneath, promising a delicious and satisfying meal.

I served the pie to my family that evening, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the sight and smell of the dish before them. As we dug into the pie together, sharing stories and laughter around the table, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in our household.

And as I took my first bite of the Chicken Spinach Polenta Layer Pie, savoring the rich flavors and comforting textures, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for all the knowledge and skills that had been passed down to me over the years. Cooking was so much more than just following a recipe – it was a way to connect with my past, my present, and the people I loved.

And as I sat at the table, surrounded by my family and the delicious aroma of the pie, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come. It was a reminder of all the joys and pleasures that cooking had brought into my life, and I couldn't wait to share it with others and pass on the tradition to future generations.