Perfect Plant-Based Polenta
A delicious and versatile grilled polenta recipe that can be served as a side dish or as a base for various toppings. This plant-based dish is enriched with spices like turmeric and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a wholesome choice.
Details
- Author: CuisineSavvy
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Appetizer
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Diet: Vegan
- Tags: #VeganBBQ, #BentoBox, #Grilled, #Italian, #Appetizer
Nutritional Values
This dish is gluten-free, vegan, and avoids the use of ultra-processed ingredients. It includes nutritional benefits from turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a nutritious choice for a balanced meal.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal | -- |
| Total Fat | 6 g | -- |
| Saturated Fat | -- | |
| Monounsaturated Fat | -- | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | -- | |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | -- |
| Sodium | 300 mg | -- |
| Total Carbohydrate | -- | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g | -- |
| Total Sugars | -- | |
| Protein | 6 g | -- |
Ingredients
1 – 1 1⁄2 tbsp. coarse salt; 1 2⁄3 cups polenta; 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup unsweetened nondairy milk; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 1/4 cup vegan cheese powder (or crushed cashews); pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp turmeric; (opt) 1 tomato, sliced; (opt) fresh basil leaves
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the coarse salt and gradually whisk in the polenta. 2. Reduce heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring constantly, for about 15-20 minutes until thickened. 3. Pour the cooked polenta into a greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Allow it to cool and set for at least 2 hours. 4. Once set, cut the polenta into squares or desired shapes. 5. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the polenta squares with olive oil. 6. Grill the polenta squares for 3-4 minutes per side, or until crisp and grill marks appear. 7. Optionally, in the last 5 minutes of cooking, top the polenta with sliced tomatoes, olive oil, and a basil leaf. 8. Serve the grilled polenta hot as a side dish or as a base for toppings like marinara sauce, cheese, or grilled vegetables.
Internal Recipes
- Vegan Quinoa and Tofu Burrito (Health Score: 75)
External Recipes
- Grilled Polenta with Tomatoes (Health Score: 78)
HealthScore: 72
The health score reflects the nutritious ingredients, such as polenta, olive oil, and turmeric. The dish is still calorie-dense due to the polenta but remains a healthy choice with added nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties.