Vegan Polenta Recipe is a comforting and versatile dish made from cornmeal. It has a creamy texture and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course with various toppings and additions. Polenta is naturally gluten-free and when prepared without animal products, it becomes a delicious option for those following a vegan lifestyle. Whether you serve it creamy or let it set and then grill or bake it, vegan polenta offers a satisfying and flavorful meal. Here’s a complete recipe for vegan polenta, including nutrition facts and servings:
Vegan Polenta Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coarse yellow cornmeal (polenta)
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Gradually whisk in the cornmeal and salt, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the polenta, stirring frequently, for approximately 30-40 minutes until it thickens and the cornmeal is tender. The longer you cook, the creamier the texture will be.
- Optional: Add vegan butter or olive oil to the cooked polenta and stir until well combined. This step adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if desired.
- Serve the vegan polenta hot as a creamy dish on its own or as a side dish. Alternatively, you can pour the cooked polenta into a greased dish, smooth the top, and allow it to cool and set. Once set, you can slice it and grill, bake, or fry the polenta slices for a different texture and presentation.
- Add your preferred toppings and additions to enhance the flavors. Popular options include sautéed vegetables, tomato sauce, vegan cheese, herbs, or roasted mushrooms.
Nutrition Facts and Servings:
The following nutrition facts are approximate values per serving (1/2 cup cooked polenta) of vegan polenta:
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 295mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
