Trader Joe’s Creamy Polenta with Spinach and Carrots Review

Trader Joe's Creamy Polenta with Spinach and Carrots

If you asked our staffers to describe the perfect meal, we’re pretty sure that none of us would use the phrase “boiled cornmeal mush.” That said, boiled mashed corn is a lot more appetizing than it might sound. Case in point, Trader Joe’s Creamy Polenta with Spinach and Carrots is a very tasty side dish that can also serve as a standalone meal.

According to the instructions, this meal can be heated in the microwave or cooked in a saucepan. Since we didn’t have an appropriately-sized saucepan on hand, we decided to try cooking this up in a skillet instead. We had to leave it on the stove for a few extra minutes, but we eventually wound up with an evenly cooked meal.

We were surprised by how creamy this polenta is. In fact, before we checked the ingredients, we assumed that it contained melted cheese. While the taste is very comforting, the spinach, carrots, and leeks keep it from tasting overly rich. It’s like eating a very thick soup, or like a healthy version of loaded mashed potatoes.

Trader Joe's Creamy Polenta with Spinach and Carrots

The simple, savory flavor could easily be spiced up or tweaked to meet your own personal tastes. We think this would be delicious with some red pepper flakes or fresh cherry tomatoes.

Traditionally, polenta is a side dish, which is probably why Trader Joe’s claims there are three servings per bag. Since the texture of polenta is similar to the texture of mashed potatoes, you could serve it alongside any meal that you’d normally pair with mashed potatoes. That said, we think it makes a great meal when eaten alone. It’s a little low on protein, but it’s certainly filling enough to serve as a standalone meal.

We really enjoyed Trader Joe’s Creamy Polenta with Spinach and Carrots, and we’ll almost certainly be trying it again. We’re very interested in experimenting with this dish and pairing it with other Trader Joe’s favorites, like their Italian Sausage-Less Sausage. Boiled cornmeal mash might not make your mouth water, but we promise, it’s tastier than it sounds.

To learn more about the nutrition facts or ingredients in this Trader Joe’s polenta, check out our package scan below.

Trader Joe's Creamy Polenta with Spinach and Carrots

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Linda Bradley
Linda Bradley
2 years ago

It’s been discontinued, and I am totally bummed. I prefer actual homemade Polenta obviously, but this was a great side in a pinch.

Mary
Mary
1 year ago

I loved this as a sidedish. So easy on a busy day. Goes with so much. Unfortunately it seems to be discontinued and I’m so upset about it. Bad move Trader Joe’s. This was something everyone in this picky family loved.

I’m trying to find a recipe to make this myself with that roll of polenta you still have.

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