Creating Vegan Polenta Squares always brings back delightful memories of cozy evenings in my kitchen. The first time I made Vegan Polenta Squares, I was looking for a simple, comforting snack that was both delicious and nutritious. I remember pouring the water into the saucepan, gradually stirring in the cornmeal, and watching it transform into a smooth, golden mixture. The aroma of garlic and onion granules, mixed with the slight heat from the red pepper flakes, filled the air, making my mouth water.
Experimenting with Ingredients
As I continued experimenting with my Vegan Polenta Squares, I discovered the magic of nutritional yeast. It added a cheesy flavor that perfectly complemented the polenta. I also played around with different toppings, like juicy cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, and fresh baby spinach leaves. Each addition brought a new dimension of flavor and texture to the dish. I found that broiling the squares with a generous sprinkle of dairy-free cheese gave them a delightful, melty finish that was simply irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Vegan Polenta Squares quickly became a favorite at dinner parties and family gatherings. They were easy to make, could be prepped ahead of time, and were always a hit with guests. I loved seeing the surprise on their faces when they learned that these delicious, cheesy bites were completely vegan. The versatility of the Vegan Polenta Squares meant I could customize them to suit any occasion, whether it was a casual snack or a more formal appetizer.
Now, Vegan Polenta Squares are a staple in my kitchen. I often make a batch during meal prep and store them in the fridge for a quick and easy snack. The process of cooking and setting the polenta has become almost therapeutic for me. There’s something so satisfying about turning simple ingredients into a dish that is both comforting and nourishing. Whether enjoyed warm and melty or cold and firm, these Vegan Polenta Squares are always a delightful treat that brings a bit of joy to my day.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Vegan Polenta Squares
- Preventing Lumps: When adding the cornmeal to boiling water, make sure to stir constantly and gradually pour in the cornmeal to prevent lumps from forming.
- Creamier Texture: For a richer, creamier polenta, stir in a splash of almond milk or any other plant-based milk towards the end of the cooking process.
- Firming Up: Ensure the polenta is spread evenly in the baking dish and allowed to cool completely for at least an hour. This helps it firm up properly, making it easier to cut into squares.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the polenta before setting it to firm up. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or nutritional yeast if desired. Remember that the toppings will also add flavor.
- Cheese Melting: Use a broiler to achieve that perfectly melted, bubbly vegan cheese on top. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Topping Variations: Experiment with various toppings. Roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add unique flavors.
- Serving Ideas: These polenta squares are versatile. Serve them as appetizers at a dinner party, as a snack, or even as a side dish to a larger meal.
Vegan Polenta Squares
Get ready to wow your taste buds with these Vegan Polenta Squares! Perfectly seasoned and topped with melty vegan cheese, these bites are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick snack, these squares are sure to impress. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings, this recipe is a must-try for all vegan food lovers!
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Ingredients
3 cups Water
1 cup Cornmeal or Grits
3 tbsp Nutritional Yeast Flakes
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/4 tsp Garlic Granules
1/4 tsp Onion Granules
1/8 – 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1/4 – 1/2 cup Shredded Dairy-Free Cheese (optional)
Sliced Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, Baby Spinach Leaves (optional toppings)
Directions
- Preparing the Dish – Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish and set it aside.
- Cooking the Polenta – In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Gradually add the cornmeal while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the polenta is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Seasoning the Polenta – Stir in the nutritional yeast flakes, sea salt, garlic granules, onion granules, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Pour the seasoned polenta into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Allow it to cool and firm up for about 1 hour.
- Cutting and Broiling – Once firm, cut the polenta into 16 squares and transfer them to a baking sheet. Preheat the broiler. Sprinkle the squares with shredded dairy-free cheese and add optional toppings like sliced cherry tomatoes, black olives, or baby spinach leaves.
- Broiling to Perfection – Broil the polenta squares until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them cool briefly before serving.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Nonstick Pan
- baking sheet
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQs- Vegan Polenta Squares
Can I make the polenta squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the polenta squares ahead of time. After the polenta has set and been cut into squares, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add the toppings and broil.
Can I freeze the polenta squares?
Yes, you can freeze the polenta squares. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator, add toppings, and broil.
What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can use vegan parmesan cheese or a homemade blend of ground nuts and spices to mimic the cheesy flavor.
How do I prevent the polenta from sticking to the baking dish?
Greasing the baking dish lightly with oil or lining it with parchment paper can help prevent the polenta from sticking. Make sure the polenta has cooled completely before attempting to cut it.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?
Absolutely! You can use any type of dairy-free cheese you prefer. Cashew cheese, almond cheese, or even a homemade vegan cheese sauce can be great alternatives.
