Vegetarian Creamy Balsamic Maple Polenta

Total time40 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time30 min

Vegetarian Creamy Balsamic Maple Polenta

Coarse-ground polenta cooks up thick and creamy in this bowl, finished with butter and finely grated Parmesan for that classic, comforting richness. The real star is the glaze: balsamic vinegar and pure maple syrup reduced down with garlic-infused olive oil until it's glossy and coats the back of a spoon, adding a sweet-tangy contrast to every bite. A scatter of fresh scallion greens on top brings brightness and a little crunch to finish things off. It's a satisfying, cozy bowl that works beautifully as a vegetarian main or a hearty side, and it comes together with just a few pots and a whisk. This one's a great addition to a vegetarian dinner rotation, especially when you want something warm, rich, and a little bit special.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the polenta

4 cups water
1 cup chicken broth
Pacific Foods Organic Low Sodium Vegetable Broth Swanson Vegetable Broth Pacific Foods Plant-Based Organic Vegetable Broth Kettle And Fire Broth Vegetable Cooking - 32 OZ Kitchen Basics Organic Vegetable Stock Carton - 32 Oz
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Chef's tip
Use the same amount of low-sodium vegetable broth. The dish will be a little lighter in flavor than with chicken broth.
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup coarse-ground polenta (not instant)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
Chef's tip
Match the form the recipe uses - grated for sprinkling and sauces, a firm wedge for shaving. If the recipe melts the cheese, choose a product labeled meltable.
¼ tsp black pepper

For the balsamic maple glaze

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp garlic-infused olive oil
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

For serving

3 scallions, green tops only, thinly sliced

Instructions

1
Combine the water, chicken broth, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
2
Reduce the heat to medium-low. While whisking constantly, pour the polenta into the liquid in a slow, steady stream. Continue whisking for 2 minutes until no lumps remain, then switch to a wooden spoon.

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