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 (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.

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

Total Time: 20 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.

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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

• Try more of our other Mediterranean Diet Delights.

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