Food Recipes Creamy Polenta With Sausage and Chard 3.9 (44) 1 Review Sometimes it’s the simplest dinners that become go-to family favorites. That’s likely to be the case with this easy recipe, since soft polenta topped with crispy sausage bits and Swiss chard (cooked up in those tasty sausage drippings, natch) is likely to win over anyone who eats it. Because you’ll add the stock at the end of cooking the polenta, it’s worth splurging on a gourmet version since the flavor will shine through. Can’t find chard at your store? Swap in kale (either Lacinato or curly will work), mustard greens, or collards. Wine pairing suggestion: Choose a red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that can stand up to the flavors of the meal. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on December 21, 2018 Print Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Victor Protasio Hands On Time: 40 mins Total Time: 40 mins Yield: 4 servings Ingredients 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 12 ounces Italian sausage (3 links) 2 bunches rainbow chard, stems chopped and leaves torn 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper ¾ cup low-sodium chicken stock, divided 1 cup instant polenta ¾ teaspoon kosher salt Directions Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high until foamy. Add sausage and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate, reserving drippings. Add chard to skillet and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Return sausage to skillet and add vinegar, thyme, crushed red pepper, and ¼ cup of the stock. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sausage is cooked through and chard is tender and coated in sauce, 6 to 8 minutes. Meanwhile, bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking, until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in salt, remaining ½ cup stock, and 2 tablespoons butter. Serve polenta topped with sausage, chard, and sauce. Print