Heart-Healthy Cheddar Polenta
Indulge in the creamy comfort of Heart-Healthy Cheddar Polenta—a wholesome twist on a classic dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This vegan-friendly recipe swaps traditional cheese for nutritional yeast, delivering a rich, cheesy flavor packed with plant-based goodness. Made with creamy unsweetened almond milk, a hint of olive oil, and a medley of aromatic spices like garlic, onion, and paprika, this polenta is both heart-smart and full of flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal side dish or light main course to elevate any meal. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness, this velvety polenta is proof that simple, healthy cooking can taste extraordinary. Perfect for those seeking high-fiber, dairy-free, and cholesterol-conscious recipes, this dish is a comforting win for your weeknight dinner rotation.
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Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup cornmeal (polenta)
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Step 1
In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2
Once the water is boiling, gradually add the 1 cup of cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 3
Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
Step 4
Stir in 1 cup of nutritional yeast and 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 5
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 0.5 teaspoon of paprika, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper to the polenta. Stir well to combine.
Step 6
Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are well incorporated and the polenta is heated through.
Step 7
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken further.
Step 8
Serve the polenta hot, garnished with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Step 9
Enjoy this heart-healthy cheddar polenta as a side dish or as a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1516.9 grams (1516.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1273 |
| Total Fat 35.70g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat 5.20g | 26% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 3.30g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1399mg | 61% |
| Total Carbohydrate 204.50g | 74% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.60g | 52% |
| Total Sugars 1.90g | |
| Protein 29.90g | 60% |
| Vitamin D 88IU | 439% |
| Calcium 557mg | 43% |
| Iron 9mg | 50% |
| Potassium 1002mg | 21% |
Source of Calories