Polenta Bites

A café favorite full of flavor and nutrition, and far too often overlooked

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Polenta often doesn’t get the credit it deserves—except for here in the café, where we love us some polenta bites! This easy-to-make, basic food is actually filled with protein and fiber, while being low in calories and fat—and quite yummy if we don’t say so ourselves. I’d call that an all-around win.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup polenta (or cornmeal)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tsp Earth Balance butter 

Optional: Add veggies and herbs (at the café, we love to add cherry tomatoes and spinach) 

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil in a medium size pot over high heat. 
2. Add teaspoon salt. Pour polenta slowly into water, stirring continuously as mixture thickens, 2-3 minutes and then add butter. 
3. Turn heat to low. Cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. If it is become too thick add 1/2 cup water. 
4. Add your veggies and mix them in to the pot. 
5. On a greased cookie sheet, pour the mixture carefully onto the pan, using a spatula to spread evenly. Cool to room temperature to allow polenta to firm. 
6. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. 

Note: We serve polenta bites as an appetizer that can be dipped in a side of marinara sauce or can be paired with sautéed greens, tofu or tempeh with creamy pesto sauce. Get creative with your plant-based healthy eating!

—Lea Haas, Owner, The Garden Cafe Woodstock