My Italian Dad made this.
I suppose every culture has a cheap, filling vegetarian dish, like Cuban red beans and rice. Beans and grains make a complete protein.
My Dad made "mush and beans." Would it sound more Continental to say "polenta and legumes?"
Anyway, cook mush/polenta as usual. In a separate pan, soften some onions and garlic in extra virgin olive oil. Use good oil because it contributes to the flavor. Add a couple of cans of cannellini beans. You could certainly use any bean you like, canned or dried. I like lots of black pepper.
Serve mush/polenta with the beans on the side. A nice salad or some greens cooked in olive oil and garlic (can you ever have too much garlic?) makes a nice side.
You could sprinkle some grated romano on top if you like. Red pepper flakes are a necessity for me.
This is a real comfort food in our family. My kids, ages 24 to 30, still love this. Hope you enjoy it, too.