Roast Pepper Polenta Cakes

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 11

A savory and satisfying meal, these Roast Pepper Polenta Cakes are perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike

by The Chefin Vegetarian

Prep

15 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

55 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

252

Sugar

Fat

14g

Roast Pepper Polenta Cakes are a great way to celebrate the delicious flavors of Italian cuisine. This vegetarian meal is both savory and filling and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side. The creamy and cheesy polenta is combined with sweet and smoky roasted red peppers and aromatic basil to create a dish that is as delicious as it is satisfying. This dish is perfect for those who want to explore the flavors of the Mediterranean while maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.

Instructions

1.	Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.
2.	Place the peppers on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until their skins have blackened and blistered. Remove from the oven and transfer to a plastic bag, sealing it to create a steam effect. Leave to cool, then peel off the skins and discard the seeds and stems. Dice the flesh of the peppers and set it aside.
3.	In a large saucepan, heat the skim milk. Whisk in the cornmeal polenta and garlic, stirring constantly over a medium heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the polenta has thickened and begun to pull away from the sides of the pan.
4.	Remove the polenta from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese and diced red peppers. Stir in the basil and season with salt and pepper.
5.	Grease a 9-inch baking dish with the olive oil. Pour the polenta mixture into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Set aside to cool and set for about 30 minutes.
6.	Preheat the grill to high. Once the polenta has set, remove it from the baking dish and cut it into 8 rectangular pieces. Brush each piece with the remaining olive oil and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

PROS

These Roast Pepper Polenta Cakes are a savory and filling meal that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
The red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor to the creamy polenta, while the cheddar cheese makes it rich and indulgent.
The basil adds a fresh and aromatic touch, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

CONS

Since these polenta cakes are grilled, they may not be as crispy or crunchy as fried foods.
Moreover, polenta itself may not be a go-to dish for everyone, you may want to give it a try first with a small portion.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Polenta is a low-calorie and low-fat food that is rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and protein. It is also gluten-free, making it a perfect substitute for wheat-based grains. Red peppers are a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants, which are known to improve overall health by reducing inflammation in the body.

	275 ml skim milk
	110 g cornmeal polenta
	1 garlic clove , crushed
	50 g cheddar cheese , grated
	2 red peppers
	1 tablespoon chopped basil
	2 tablespoons olive oil