POLENTA AND BLACK BEAN CASSEROLE

Polenta and Black Bean Casserole image

Yield Makes 6 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 4-ounce cans diced green chilies, drained
1/4 cup canned salsa verde (tomatillo salsa)
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 16-ounce purchased polenta roll, cut into 18 rounds
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 15-ounce can black beans, well drained
1 15-ounce can golden hominy, well drained
3 cups coarsely grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 10 ounces)

Steps:

Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 450°F. Oil 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish. Mix 1/2 cup cilantro, chilies, salsa verde, garlic, and cumin in medium bowl. Arrange 9 polenta rounds in bottom of dish, spacing evenly. Drizzle 1/4 cup cream over. Top with half of beans, half of hominy, and half of chili mixture. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups cheese. Repeat layering. Cover with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 475°F; uncover casserole and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cilantro and serve.