Vegetarian Polenta Casserole Recipe
Description
This delightful Vegetarian Polenta Casserole, adapted from a presentation by the talented Cynthia Liar, showcases the simplicity and heartiness of everyday ingredients, coming together to create a feel-good one-dish meal that even kids will love. Packed with nutritious components like pinto beans and vibrant vegetables, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also provides a comforting, satisfying dinner that can be ready in just over half an hour.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving (6 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 311.8 |
| Total Fat | 5.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 1.5 mg |
| Sodium | 444.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 48.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.9 g |
| Sugars | 4.7 g |
| Protein | 19.5 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Vegetarian ground beef |
| 1 can | Pinto beans (drained and rinsed) |
| 2 | Garlic cloves (minced) |
| 1 | Cumin seed |
| 1 | Medium onion (chopped) |
| 1 | Green cabbage (shredded) |
| 2 tsp | Ground cumin |
| 1 tsp | Oregano |
| 1 can | Tomato sauce |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 1 cup | Polenta |
| 2 cups | Boiling water |
| ½ cup | Parmesan cheese (grated) |
Cooking Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
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Prepare the Casserole Dish: Lightly coat a medium casserole dish with a thin layer of cooking spray, ensuring the bottom and sides are well-covered to prevent sticking.
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Heat the Saucepan: In a 2-quart saucepan, apply a light layer of cooking spray to the bottom. Heat the pan over medium heat.
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Sauté the Onions: Once the pan is heated, add the chopped onions and sweat them until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
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Combine Vegetables and Spices: Add the minced garlic, shredded cabbage, and cumin seed to the onions, stirring frequently. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
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Add Beans and Sauce: Pour in the drained pinto beans, tomato sauce, and water, stirring well to combine. Allow this mixture to cook until it absorbs most of the water, which will create a thick, flavorful filling.
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Incorporate Vegetarian Ground Beef: Once the liquid has been absorbed, fold in the vegetarian ground beef, mixing thoroughly until everything is well combined. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
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Prepare the Polenta: In a separate 1-quart saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the polenta thickens to a spreadable consistency, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Assemble the Casserole: Carefully pour the polenta mixture over the bean and vegetable mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread the polenta evenly across the top, ensuring it reaches the corners and is approximately ½ inch thick.
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Garnish: Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the polenta layer, adding a delicious cheesy crust to the casserole.
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Bake: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Final Baking: After 25 minutes, remove the cover and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This Vegetarian Polenta Casserole is perfect on its own or served with a side salad for a complete meal.
This recipe promises to be a family favorite, combining wholesome ingredients with a satisfying taste that everyone will appreciate. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delightful dish, perfect for any occasion!
