Catalan Sauteed Polenta & Butter Beans

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/catalan_sauteed_polenta_butter_beans.html

From EatingWell:  October/November 2006, EatingWell for a Healthy Heart Cookbook

This dish is a satisfying vegetarian meal complete with spinach, beans and polenta, inspired by classic Spanish flavors. Note: Look for smoked paprika with other specialty spices; it's available in three varieties: sweet, bittersweet and hot. Sweet is the most versatile, but if you like a little bit of heat, choose the hot variety. You can find Spanish products in specialty-foods stores or online at tienda.com. Make it a Meal: Enjoy with a green salad tossed with sherry vinaigrette and a glass of Jean-Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône.

4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each | Active Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 16-ounce tube prepared plain polenta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 clove garlic,minced
• 1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika, preferably smoked, plus more for garnish (see Note)
• 1 15-ounce can butter beans, rinsed
• 4 cups packed baby spinach
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup shredded Manchego or Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar

Preparation

1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add polenta and cook in a single layer, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
2. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and garlic to the pan, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring, until just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in beans, spinach and broth; cook, stirring, until the beans are heated through and the spinach is wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese and vinegar. Serve vegetables over polenta. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired.

Nutrition

Per serving : 207 Calories; 8 g Fat; 2 g Sat; 4 g Mono; 7 mg Cholesterol; 28 g Carbohydrates; 10 g Protein; 5 g Fiber; 678 mg Sodium; 578 mg Potassium

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 very lean meat, 1 fat

Tips & Notes

• Smoked paprika is available in three varieties: sweet, bittersweet and hot. Sweet is the most versatile, but choose hot if you like a bit of heat. Find it in well-stocked supermarkets or specialty-foods stores.