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Polenta with Green Beans, Mushrooms, Peas, and Leeks

This elegant vegetarian dish combines the rustic comfort of creamy polenta with a sophisticated medley of seasonal green beans, sweet garden peas, and earthy wild mushrooms. It is a wonderful celebration of textures, offering a silkier alternative to traditional pasta or rice dishes. The addition of a refined leek and white vermouth reduction brings a bright, aromatic acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the butter and cream, making it a standout choice for a weekend dinner party or a comforting midweek treat.

Packed with garden-fresh flavours and heart-healthy vegetables, this homemade recipe is both nourishing and indulgent. Using assorted wild mushrooms such as crimini and shiitake adds a wonderful savoury depth that complements the naturally sweet leeks. Serve it in large shallow bowls to allow the vibrant green vegetables and golden polenta to shine, perhaps finishing with a final crack of black pepper and a side of crusty sourdough bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Polenta with Green Beans, Mushrooms, Peas, and Leeks

  • 350g green beans, trimmed

  • 240ml fresh shelled peas (12 to 400g in pods)

  • 950ml whole milk

  • 600ml vegetable broth

  • 425ml polenta (coarse cornmeal)*

  • 475ml thinly sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only

  • about 2 medium)

  • 350ml dry white vermouth

  • 60g (1/2 stick) chilled butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

  • 45ml double cream

  • 45ml olive oil

  • 450g assorted wild mushrooms (such as crimini, small portobello, and shiitake), stemmed, caps cut into wedges

  • 3 large shallots, sliced (about 3/4 cup)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

How to make Polenta with Green Beans, Mushrooms, Peas, and Leeks

Blanch green beans 1 minute in boiling water. Add peas and cook until both beans and peas are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl of ice water to cool. Drain. Cut beans on diagonal into 1-inch pieces. Set beans and peas aside.

Bring milk and broth to boil in large saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to low. Cook until polenta is very thick, whisking almost constantly, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, combine leeks and vermouth in medium saucepan. Boil over medium-high heat until reduced to 80ml , 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Gradually whisk in butter, allowing each addition to melt before adding next. Add cream and whisk over very low heat to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until almost tender, 5 minutes. Stir in shallots, 1 tablespoon parsley, and thyme. Sauté until mushrooms are very tender, about 5 minutes. Add beans and peas, tossing to coat.

Rewarm polenta and spoon into large shallow bowl. Top with green bean mixture and remaining 1 tablespoon parsley. Rewarm leeks over low heat, whisking constantly; spoon evenly over polenta.

Sold at some supermarkets and at natural foods stores and Italian markets. If unavailable, substitute an equal amount of regular yellow cornmeal and cook about half as long.

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.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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