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    Home » Recipes » Global Recipes

    Polenta with a Variety of Toppings

    Published: Jun 22, 2016 · Updated: Aug 18, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Polenta is the Italian name for a basic cornmeal mush that can be served on its own or with a variety of toppings (see variations after recipe box). It’s a comforting, naturally gluten-free grain dish that kids and picky eaters will love! When mine were growing up, they loved this with a side of steamed broccoli, and a platter of raw veggies with a dip. Thanks to Colavita for supplying the Instant Polenta used in this recipe, which not only cooks up super-fast, but is extra smooth. Photos by Evan Atlas.

    Recipe

    Polenta with a Variety of Toppings

    Polenta is the Italian name for a basic cornmeal mush that can be served on its own or with a variety of toppings. It’s a comforting, naturally gluten-free grain dish that kids and picky eaters will love!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Course: Polenta
    Cuisine: Italian
    Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
    Keyword: how to make polenta, polenta recipe
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 193kcal
    Author: Veg Kitchen

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup yellow cornmeal or quick-cooking polenta
    • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
    • 2 tablespoons vegan buttery spread like Earth Balance
    • Toppings
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Bring 4 cups of water in a large, deep saucepan bring to a rapid simmer. Turn the heat down to low. Pour the cornmeal in slowly, whisking as you pour it in to make sure no lumps form.
    • Simmer over very low heat for 15 to 20 minutes (or, quick-cooking polenta only takes about 3 minutes) Whisk occasionally The polenta should be smooth and thick. If the polenta is spattering while being cooked, cover with a lid, keeping it ajar. If you’d like a thinner polenta, add one additional cup of water, whisk in, and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer.
    • When done, stir in the margarine until melted. Serve at once in bowls and top as suggested below.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 628mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
    Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

    -

    Topping variations

    Here are a few simple suggestions for toppings polenta. Use any one, or a combination of two or three, and vary it according to season and mood!

    • A sprinkling of Vegan Parmesan-Style Cheez
    • A sprinkling of nondairy mozzarella-stye grated cheese
    • Lightly cooked diced tomatoes
    • Thinly sliced basil leaves
    • Brown mushrooms (lightly sautéed in olive oil)
    • Sautéed garlic
    • Wilted greens
    • Cooked fresh corn kernels
    • Thinly sliced scallions
    • Sautéed onions and/or bell peppers

    Nutrition information (without toppings)
    Per serving: Calories: 206;  Total fat: 5 g; Protein: 4 g;  Fiber: 3.5 g;  Carbs: 37 g;  Sodium: 479 mg

    Polenta with Spinach and Tomatoes recipe

    Polenta with Spinach and Tomatoes

    • Try more of our other Mediterranean Diet Delights.

    *This post contains affiliate links. If the product is purchased by linking through this review, VegKitchen receives a modest commission, which helps maintain our site and helps it to continue growing!

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    nicole malik from vegkithen.com

    Hi, I'm Nicole! I'm the creator behind VegKitchen, and the author of the popular cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking. Learn more about me here.

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