20 Vegan Italian Polenta Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!

Published on: Mar 18, 2024

In recent years, the popularity of veganism has been on the rise, with more and more people choosing to adopt a plant-based diet for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. And while many may believe that Italian cuisine is off-limits for vegans, there are actually a plethora of delicious and satisfying vegan Italian dishes to choose from. One such dish is polenta, a traditional Italian staple made from cornmeal. In this article, we will share a mouth-watering vegan Italian polenta recipe that is sure to impress even the most die-hard carnivores.

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Grilled Polenta

Main Ingredients: Coarse Salt, Polenta, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Who says beer can chicken has to be limited to just chicken? This recipe incorporates grilled polenta for a hearty and flavorful side dish. The creamy polenta is grilled until crispy and then topped with tender and juicy beer can chicken, creating the perfect combination of textures. Serve with a side of Italian salad dressing for a burst of tangy flavor.

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Polenta with Spring Vegetable Ragout

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, Salt, Polenta Cornmeal, Extra Virgin

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Take advantage of the fresh flavors of spring with this recipe for polenta with spring vegetable ragout. The polenta is cooked in a rich broth and topped with a colorful mix of seasonal vegetables, including Italian seasoning for a touch of herby goodness. Add a beer can chicken on top for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Italian Salad Dressing

Main Ingredients: Lemon Juice, Sea Salt, Garlic, Dried Oregano, Dried

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For a refreshing and zesty salad dressing, try making your own Italian dressing. This homemade version is made with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil for a bold and flavorful dressing. Drizzle it over a bed of mixed greens and top with sliced beer can chicken for a delicious and hearty salad.

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Italian Seasoning

Main Ingredients: Dried Oregano, Marjoram, Dried Thyme, Dried Basil

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No Italian-inspired dish is complete without a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This homemade spice mix is made with a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, giving any dish a burst of authentic Italian flavor. Use it to season your beer can chicken before grilling for a truly tasty chicken.

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Authentic Italian Pizza Dough

Main Ingredients: Flour, Water, Dried Yeast, Salt

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Who says beer can chicken can't be turned into pizza? This recipe for authentic Italian pizza dough is the perfect base for a flavorful pizza topped with beer can chicken, mozzarella, and your favorite Italian toppings. Impress your guests with this unique and delicious pizza twist on beer can chicken.

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Rustic Italian Bread

Main Ingredients: Lukewarm Water, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar

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What better way to soak up all the flavorful juices from your beer can chicken than with some homemade rustic Italian bread? This recipe produces a crusty and chewy bread that pairs perfectly with a slice of beer can chicken. Serve it on the side or use it to make a tasty sandwich with your leftover chicken.

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Italian Tomato Salad (Marinated Tomato Salad)

Main Ingredients: Beefsteak Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon

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For a refreshing and light side dish, try this Italian tomato salad. Made with juicy and ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing, this salad is the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. The flavors of the salad complement the chicken perfectly and make for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

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Italian Ciabatta Bread

Main Ingredients: Lukewarm Water, Salt, Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose

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Another great bread option to serve with beer can chicken is Italian ciabatta bread. This recipe produces a soft and crusty bread that is perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from the chicken. Serve it warm with a spread of Italian roasted mushrooms and veggies for a hearty and flavorful meal.

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Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies

Main Ingredients: Cremini Mushrooms, Cauliflower, Tomatoes, Garlic, Olive

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Roasted mushrooms and veggies are a classic side dish in Italian cuisine, and for good reason. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a delicious and satisfying side dish. This recipe adds a twist by using Italian seasonings and a dash of garlic for a flavorful and aromatic dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.

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Homemade Italian Seasoning Spice Mix

Main Ingredients: Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Dried Rosemary, Dried

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For an easy and convenient way to incorporate Italian flavors into your beer can chicken, try this recipe for homemade Italian seasoning spice mix. Made with a blend of dried herbs and spices, this mix can be used to season your chicken before grilling or to add a punch of flavor to any Italian-inspired dish.

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Italian Sauteed Mushrooms

Main Ingredients: Baby Bella Mushrooms, Italian Dressing, Onion, Red Bell

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If you prefer your mushrooms sauteed, this recipe is for you. The mushrooms are cooked in a skillet with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a splash of wine for a deep and rich flavor. Serve them as a side dish to your beer can chicken or use them to top a slice of homemade Italian bread for a tasty appetizer.

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Polenta

Main Ingredients: Water, Polenta

For a simple and satisfying side dish, try serving your beer can chicken with a side of polenta. This creamy and comforting dish pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the chicken. Add some Italian seasoning or grated parmesan cheese for an extra kick of flavor.

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Classic Bruschetta

Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Roma

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Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe keeps it simple with Italian bread, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, but you can also add some Italian sausage or mozzarella for a heartier topping. Serve it alongside a beer can chicken for a delicious and flavorful meal.

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Italian Arrabbiata Sauce

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, San Marzano Tomatoes, Tomato

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If you're a fan of spicy Italian dishes, this recipe for arrabbiata sauce is a must-try. Made with tomatoes, garlic, and crushed red pepper, this sauce packs a punch of heat and flavor. Use it as a dipping sauce for your beer can chicken or pour it over pasta for a spicy and satisfying meal.

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Dukkah with Italian Herbs over Polenta Fries

Main Ingredients: Dukkah, Walnuts, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Garlic Powder

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Add some flavor and crunch to your beer can chicken with this recipe for dukkah with Italian herbs. Dukkah is an Egyptian spice mix made with nuts, seeds, and herbs, and it adds a delicious crunch to anything it's sprinkled on. This recipe serves it over crispy polenta fries for a unique and flavorful side dish.

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Italian Ravioli with Spinach, Artichokes, Capers,...

Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Olive Oil, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Artichoke

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If you're looking to take your beer can chicken to the next level, try serving it with this recipe for Italian ravioli. Made with a rich spinach, artichoke, and caper filling, these ravioli are bursting with flavor. Serve them with a side of beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Italian Vegan Garbanzo Bean Soup

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery, Fennel Bulb

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For a healthy and flavorful meal, try this recipe for Italian vegan garbanzo bean soup. The soup is packed with veggies and flavored with Italian herbs and spices, making it a perfect pairing for beer can chicken. Serve it as a starter or as a meal on its own with some crusty Italian bread.

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Classic Italian Bread

Main Ingredients: Yeast, Granulated Sugar, Warm Water, Bread Flour, Salt

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If you're feeling ambitious, try making your own classic Italian bread to serve with your beer can chicken. This recipe for Italian bread is easy to follow and produces a crusty and chewy loaf that is perfect for sopping up all the delicious juices from the chicken.

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Homemade Marinara Sauce

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil Leaves, Crushed

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Homemade marinara sauce - vegan, gluten-free, customizable

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No Italian meal is complete without a delicious marinara sauce, and this homemade version is sure to impress. Made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and garlic, this sauce is packed with flavor. Use it to top your beer can chicken or serve it alongside some Italian bread for dipping.

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Classic Italian Bread by Bread Illustrated

Main Ingredients: Bread, Rapid Rise Yeast, Salt, Lager, Water, Extra

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If you're a fan of Bread Illustrated, then you'll love this recipe for classic Italian bread. Made with a simple dough and baked until golden and crusty, this bread is perfect for serving with beer can chicken. Top it with some homemade Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.

Why Choose Vegan Polenta?

Health Benefits

Polenta is naturally gluten-free and low in calories, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or trying to maintain a healthy weight. It is also rich in fiber and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. By opting for a vegan version of polenta, you can avoid the unhealthy fats and cholesterol found in traditional animal-based dishes.

Sustainable and Ethical

Choosing a vegan polenta dish not only benefits your health but also helps to reduce your environmental impact. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By eliminating animal products from your diet, you are making a positive impact on the planet. Additionally, opting for a plant-based diet is a more ethical choice, as it avoids the exploitation and suffering of animals for food.

The Recipe: Vegan Italian Polenta

Now, onto the main event – the vegan Italian polenta recipe! This dish is not only delicious and nutritious, but it is also easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

2 cups of instant polenta
4 cups of vegetable broth
1 cup of non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy)
1 cup of vegan parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth and non-dairy milk to a boil.
Slowly whisk in the instant polenta and reduce the heat to low.
Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until the polenta has thickened.
Stir in the vegan parmesan cheese, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the polenta is creamy and smooth, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serve the polenta warm, topped with your choice of vegetables, sauces, or vegan protein sources.

Conclusion

Whether you are a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals into your diet, this vegan Italian polenta recipe is a must-try. It is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional Italian dishes and is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So next time you are craving some Italian comfort food, give this recipe a try and enjoy a guilt-free and cruelty-free meal.