Polenta can be polarising – many people dismiss it as bland, but when you fold in plenty of mascarpone and parmesan, along with puréed winter greens, we assure you it won’t want for flavour. We use instant polenta when time is tight; for a weekend version, consider using regular polenta for extra texture.
Ingredients
Method
Main
1.Preheat oven to 220C. Blitz herbs, lemon rind, 2 garlic cloves and olive oil in a food processor to combine, season to taste and add half the lemon juice. Transfer to a bowl, add chicken, massage to coat well, then spread on a large baking tray lined with baking paper and roast until browned and cooked through (15-18 minutes).
2.Meanwhile, blanch greens until wilted (30 seconds to 1 minute), drain and refresh, then blitz in a food processor with remaining garlic to a purée.
3.Bring stock and 300ml water to the boil in a saucepan, rain in polenta, whisking continuously, then season generously to taste. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking, until thick and smooth (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in parmesan, then swirl green purée and mascarpone through to form ripples.
4.To serve, divide green polenta among serving bowls. Squeeze remaining lemon over roast chicken, place on top of polenta, drizzle with roasting juices and serve hot scattered with extra oregano.