Polenta

Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is always sold flowering, though its buds are usually still closed.

This easy side dish would be great with the pork chops, the stuffed mushrooms, or the sirloin tip steaks. .

This soufflé-like tart makes a nice lunch or light dinner with a salad of mixed baby greens.

This sturdy almond-polenta cake is a gentle landing spot for fresh figs, and also happens to be gluten-free. Swap figs for plums, raspberries, or blueberries.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this smothered fried chicken with polenta and herb gremolata is perfect for a dinner party. 

Polenta alfredo, polenta mac ‘n’ cheese, whatever it is, this polenta is very creamy and cheesy. We like that.

For a moist cake, be sure to use finely ground polenta labeled “quick-cooking” or “instant”; cooking times listed on the package will be five minutes or less.