Creamy Vegan Polenta
While traditional Italian polenta is typically finished with butter and grated Parmesan, the porridge-like texture of simmered cornmeal makes for a dish that’s creamy and comforting without dairy. This recipe uses a few tablespoons of vegan butter (any kind will do) to lend richness, and substitutes nutritional yeast for Parmesan. Use the nutritional yeast sparingly: The right amount beautifully mimics the nutty, fragrant flavor of Parmesan, but use too much, and it can overpower. This dish is a versatile side, but can easily be turned into a main, like this creamy vegan polenta with mushrooms and kale, with the addition of sautéed or roasted vegetables.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 6cups low-sodium vegetable broth, plus more as needed
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 ½cups polenta, medium- or coarse-grind cornmeal, or corn grits
- 3tablespoons vegan butter
- 1to 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Bring 6 cups vegetable broth and 1 teaspoon salt to boil in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in the polenta, then turn the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the polenta has thickened to your liking, 10 to 15 minutes.Step 2
Off the heat, stir in the butter and nutritional yeast and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately. (Leftover polenta can be reheated over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water.)