Heart-Healthy Cheddar Polenta
Creamy, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Heart-Healthy Cheddar Polenta recipe is a plant-based twist on a classic dish. Made with nutrient-rich nutritional yeast for that irresistible cheesy flavor, almond milk for creaminess, and a blend of warming spices like garlic, onion, and paprika, this polenta is as flavorful as it is nourishing. Olive oil lends a velvety texture while fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this vegan and dairy-free recipe is perfect as a side dish or a light main course. Whether you're looking for a low-fat, cholesterol-friendly alternative to traditional cheesy sides or simply a warm, satisfying meal, this polenta is a heart-smart choice the whole family will love.
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water is boiling, gradually add the 1 cup of cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
Stir in 1 cup of nutritional yeast and 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk until smooth and creamy.
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.
Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are well incorporated and the polenta is heated through.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken further.
Serve the polenta hot, garnished with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Enjoy this heart-healthy cheddar polenta as a side dish or as a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1273 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.7 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1399 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 204.5 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 29.9 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 557 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 1002 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
