Polenta with Pinto Beans and Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients
Large pinch of saffron threads
1 1/2 quarts plus 1 tablespoon hot water
2 medium red onions, cut into 6 wedges each
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 pounds cauliflower (from 1 small head), separated into 1-inch florets
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced
One 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained
One 14-ounce can diced tomatoes with their juices
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 1/2 cups instant polenta
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°. In a small bowl, cover the saffron with 1 tablespoon of the hot water and set aside.
On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the onion wedges with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. In a large roasting pan, toss the cauliflower and sweet potato with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Season all of the vegetables with salt and pepper and roast for 10 minutes, adding the garlic to the onions in the last 3 minutes. Remove the onions and garlic from the oven.
Add the beans, tomatoes and their juices, wine, cumin, crushed red pepper and saffron water to the cauliflower and sweet potatoes; roast for 10 minutes longer.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the remaining 1 1/2 quarts of water to a boil. Whisk in the polenta; cook over moderate heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of Parmesan; season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the polenta into 4 bowls. Stir the onions and garlic into the other vegetables, season with salt and pepper and ladle over the polenta. Serve, passing the remaining Parmesan at the table.