Polenta is a creamy cornmeal dish used as a base for savory recipes in several countries around the world. Given our affinity for grilling and barbecue here in the U.S., of course we found a way to put polenta on the grill too.
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The process is fairly simple—prepare polenta as you normally would, but make it just a little thicker than usual, chill the mixture until it becomes firm, then slice it up, oil it up, and throw it on a grill for just a few minutes.
The recipe below is for leek polenta made with a rich vegetable broth and vegan margarine. It can be enjoyed on its own, beside a hearty stew, or topped with a creamy sauce that will complement the crunchy exterior. Play around with the combinations and enjoy!
Grilled Leek Polenta
2 Tbsp. vegan margarine
3 large leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced
1 cup water
2 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup coarse cornmeal
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil
•Melt 1 Tbsp. of the margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the leeks. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.
•Add the water, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal.
•Reduce the heat and cook, stirring often and adding water as needed, for 30 minutes, or until thick.
•Discard the bay leaf and stir in the remaining 1 Tbsp. of margarine. Season with the salt and pepper.
•Brush an 11x7x2-inch dish with oil. Spread the polenta in the dish. Cool completely. (Can be made a day ahead. Just cover and chill.)
•Prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush the grill with oil. Cut the polenta into 12 squares or triangles. Brush both sides with oil. Place on the grill and cover. Grill until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Serve hot.
Makes 4 servings
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Comments ( 4 )
I'm not really a vegetarian, but this looks good enough for this guy to give it a try! Thanks for sharing, I'll let you know how it turns out!
Posted by Ares Vista | August 10, 2009 10:19 AM
Posted on August 10, 2009 10:19
Looks great. Making it tonight for brunch tomorrow. Using vidalia onion because that's what I have at home now. Grilled onion polenta, spinach-carrot soup with lima beans.
Posted by Decatur, GA | August 22, 2009 11:04 PM
Posted on August 22, 2009 23:04
Yes, looks very good. I can see this going well with salad or a nice potato soup. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Leek Lover | September 11, 2009 3:49 PM
Posted on September 11, 2009 15:49
Hello
I have never tried this recipe before but I really want to try for this.I think this seems easy to cook.Thank you very much for sharing this with us.Keep up the good work.
Posted by ginko | October 29, 2009 9:04 AM
Posted on October 29, 2009 09:04