Heart-Healthy Creamy Polenta
Indulge in the comforting decadence of Heart-Healthy Creamy Polenta, a wholesome dish that blends velvety texture with rich, savory flavors—perfect for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent meal. Made with coarse cornmeal simmered in low-sodium vegetable broth and unsweetened almond milk, this recipe swaps traditional cream and butter for heart-smart alternatives like extra-virgin olive oil and nutritional yeast, which add a cheesy, umami depth without the dairy. Seasoned with garlic and onion powder and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this creamy polenta is a naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly option that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether enjoyed as a nourishing side dish or the centerpiece of your plate, this quick 30-minute recipe is a satisfying, easy-to-make option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
Step 1
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the vegetable broth and almond milk to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 2
Slowly whisk in the polenta, ensuring that you are constantly stirring to avoid any lumps.
Step 3
Reduce the heat to low and stir continuously as the mixture starts to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4
Once thickened, add the olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Continue to stir and let cook for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5
Taste the polenta and add sea salt as needed. Remember, the broth might already contain salt, so adjust to your liking.
Step 6
Once the polenta is creamy and cooked through, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand for a couple of minutes.
Step 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your heart-healthy creamy polenta as a satisfying side dish or as a main course with a salad.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1481.3 grams (1481.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1161 |
| Total Fat 20.30g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat 2.70g | 14% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1888mg | 82% |
| Total Carbohydrate 210.10g | 76% |
| Dietary Fiber 12.40g | 44% |
| Total Sugars 5.60g | |
| Protein 27.40g | 55% |
| Vitamin D 88IU | 439% |
| Calcium 504mg | 39% |
| Iron 8mg | 43% |
| Potassium 1372mg | 29% |
Source of Calories