Ingredients
For the Mushroom Ragù
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 leeks, white and light-green parts, halved vertically, sliced
- 2 pounds mixed mushrooms (such as button, cremini, oyster, shiitake, chanterelle), thickly sliced
- Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 2 fresh bay leaves
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
For the Polenta
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 fresh bay leaf
- Kosher salt
- 1½ cups coarse yellow polenta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup freshly grated Grana Padano, plus more for serving
For the Greens
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 bunches escarole (about 1½ pounds), leaves separated and trimmed
- Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon peperoncino flakes
Instructions
For the Mushroom Ragù
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, add the leeks and mushrooms. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and the rosemary. Stir to combine.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are lightly browned and wilted, 8–10 minutes.
- Add the bay leaves and broth. Cover and cook until the mushrooms are very tender, about 15 minutes more.
- Remove the bay leaves.
For the Polenta
- Combine 6 cups water, the olive oil, bay leaf, and 2 teaspoons salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Whisking slowly, stream the polenta into the pot through the fingers of one hand. Whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
- Once all the polenta is added, adjust the heat so a few small bubbles pop to the surface.
- Continue to cook and stir, making sure to get the corners and bottom of the pan, until the polenta is thick and pulls away from the sides, 30–35 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaf and beat in the butter and cheese.
To Serve
- Spoon a mound of polenta onto a plate.
- Top with the braised escarole, then spoon the mushroom ragù over it all.
- Finish with freshly grated Grana Padano.

