Creamy Polenta with Shrimp, Roasted Poblanos & White Cheddar

Prep: 15 minutes • Cook: 20 minutes • Serves: 4

7 ounces poblano peppers (about 2 medium)
4 cups fat-free milk
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 ounces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/4 pounds 21-25 count peeled and deveined shrimp, thawed if necessary
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons hot sauce
Sliced green onions and/or chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

1. Place oven rack about 5 inches from broiler. Preheat broiler to high. Place poblano peppers on rimmed baking pan and broil 4 to 5 minutes or until the skin is completely blackened and blistered, turning occasionally. Place poblano peppers in bowl and cover bowl with plastic wrap; let stand 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in medium saucepot, combine milk, butter, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt; heat to boiling over medium to medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in cornmeal until incorporated and cook as label directs, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in cheese. Cover to keep warm.

3. Remove skin from poblano peppers; pull off stem and cut lengthwise in half. With paring knife, scrape seeds, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3/4 cup).

4. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until shrimp turn almost opaque throughout, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic, remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt, and poblano peppers, and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until shrimp turn opaque throughout, stirring occasionally.

5. To serve, spoon shrimp mixture over polenta and sprinkle with hot sauce. Garnish with green onions and cilantro, if desired.

Approximate nutritional values per serving: 466 Calories, 13g Fat (25% of total calories), 5g Saturated Fat (10% of total calories), 208mg Cholesterol, 541mg Sodium, 46g Carbohydrates, 3g Fiber, 40g Protein

Dietary Exchanges: 3 Starch; 6 Protein; 3 Fat

Chef Tips

The finer the grind of the cornmeal, the less cooking time is required. Check specific package labels for cooking time.

Try using jalapeño peppers in addition to the poblano peppers for a spicier dish.

Peppers can also be roasted directly on gas stovetop over high heat until skin is blackened and blistered, turning occasionally with tongs.