Like my recipe today, this post is quick and easy.
I spent a few hours this morning finishing up Nick’s Halloween costume. On a scale of 1-10 on craftiness, I am about a 2.5, but I nevertheless found a cute, and (seemingly easy) costume–a crocodile wrestler–that instantly became the object of Nick’s desire.
It would have been much easier if I had started it last week–when I purchased the supplies–but one thing piled atop another, and as of this morning, I had yet to begin. But I am proud to report that the foam crocodile is drying in the back yard (after I blew it dry with my hair dryer for 30 minutes to get the ball rolling). Don’t worry, I’ll take pictures.
Needless to say, there is not much time for cooking today, and chances are, the same is true in your house.. But we all need to eat something before (or after) the festivities, and I have just the meal: pumpkin polenta with sauteed kale.
This is an under 15 minutes to the table kind of dinner (an electric can opener may shave off another 30 seconds; running through the kitchen–not recommended, but sometimes unavoidable–may cut it to a cool 12 minutes.)
Yes you can add a bit of sage or thyme to the polenta. If you are not vegan, feel free to top with some shavings or crumbles of Parmesan, Gruyere, goat cheese, feta, or any other cheese fragments lingering in the fridge (you can add a bit of bacon, ham or tofu, too). You will be so happy you made this. Happy Halloween!
If not vegan: grated cheese (e.g., Parmesan, Smoked Gouda, White Cheddar)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups water with cornmeal until blended.
Bring remaining 1-1/2 cups water, milk, salt, and pepper to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cornmeal mixture, immediately whisking to combine. Reduce heat to low; whisk polenta for 5 to 10 minutes until thickened.
Whisk in pumpkin; whisk 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the kale; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve polenta with kale on top and (optional) pumpkin seeds.
So lovely to have you stop by, Jeanne--and to find a sympatico cook :)
Courtney S.
Tuesday 15th of November 2011
I tried this recipe tonight and it will be a go-to from now on! I replaced some of the water with low sodium chicken broth and topped the whole thing with some sage turkey sausage and parmesan panko bread crumbs. My husband, a notoriously unhealthy eater, gobbled it up. I can't wait to try the recipe with all the tasty varieties of squash available. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Courtney S.
Tuesday 15th of November 2011
I tried this recipe tonight and it will be a go-to from now on! I replaced some of the water with low sodium chicken broth and topped the whole thing with some sage turkey sausage and parmesan panko bread crumbs. My husband, a notoriously unhealthy eater, gobbled it up. I can't wait to try the recipe with all the tasty varieties of squash available. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Jeanne @ www.saltinthecity.com
Tuesday 15th of November 2011
It's so great to see others who get joy from cooking this way. This meal looks comforting, nourishing, and it photographs nicely to boot!I look forward to trying it out--thanks.
I’m Camilla, food writer, author, runner, and spin instructor. PowerHungry® is where I share my easy, minimalist, plant-based recipes, designed for living a healthy, delicious, empowered life.
Italian White Bean Soup {vegan, oil-free, high protein}
Easy Split Pea Curry {vegan, high protein, oil-free}
3-Ingredient Black Bean Chili {vegan, oil-free, high protein}
Chickpea Pasta e Fagioli (vegan, high protein, grain-free}
Roasted Carrot White Bean Soup {3-Ingredients, vegan, easy
Camilla
Tuesday 15th of November 2011
So lovely to have you stop by, Jeanne--and to find a sympatico cook :)
Courtney S.
Tuesday 15th of November 2011
I tried this recipe tonight and it will be a go-to from now on! I replaced some of the water with low sodium chicken broth and topped the whole thing with some sage turkey sausage and parmesan panko bread crumbs. My husband, a notoriously unhealthy eater, gobbled it up. I can't wait to try the recipe with all the tasty varieties of squash available. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Courtney S.
Tuesday 15th of November 2011
I tried this recipe tonight and it will be a go-to from now on! I replaced some of the water with low sodium chicken broth and topped the whole thing with some sage turkey sausage and parmesan panko bread crumbs. My husband, a notoriously unhealthy eater, gobbled it up. I can't wait to try the recipe with all the tasty varieties of squash available. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Jeanne @ www.saltinthecity.com
Tuesday 15th of November 2011
It's so great to see others who get joy from cooking this way. This meal looks comforting, nourishing, and it photographs nicely to boot!I look forward to trying it out--thanks.