Check out this Italian vegan polenta bake recipe
The Italian vegan polenta bake is a comforting dish that embodies Italian cuisine for the vegan palate. A Northern Italian staple, polenta, made from cornmeal, is the base of this dish. It's layered with a savory tomato sauce and an array of vegetables, then baked to perfection. Nutritious and fulfilling, it's ready for the oven. Let's begin cooking!
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare the bake, assemble one cup of polenta, three cups of water for cooking, one teaspoon of salt, two tablespoons of olive oil, one finely chopped onion, two cloves of minced garlic, one zucchini (cubed), one bell pepper (cubed), two cups each of roughly chopped spinach and tomato sauce, and one cup of vegan cheese shreds.
Preparing the polenta base
Boil three cups of water seasoned with a teaspoon of salt. Whisk in the polenta slowly to avoid lumps. On reduced heat, stir continuously for 15 to 20 minutes or until the mixture thickens and pulls from the pot's sides. Once thickened, evenly spread the polenta into a lightly oiled baking dish to create the base layer.
Sauteing vegetables for filling
Warm two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute the chopped onion and minced garlic until they're fragrant and soft. Add the cubed zucchini and bell pepper, cooking until they soften, about five minutes. Fold in the spinach leaves until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a flavorful vegetable mix for the bake.
Assembling and baking
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Begin layering by spreading half of the sauteed vegetable mix over the polenta base in your baking dish. Follow with a cup of tomato sauce and a generous sprinkle of half a cup of vegan cheese shreds. Repeat these layers once more, finishing with cheese to create a golden crust when baked.
Final touches: Baking time!
Place the assembled polenta bake in the oven, uncovered, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the edges to bubble and the top layer of vegan cheese to melt and turn golden brown, signaling that your dish is perfectly baked. Once done, it's ready to be served straight from the oven onto plates for a hot, delicious meal.
