Vegan Baked Polenta with Radicchio

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 oz dry polenta cornmeal
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup vegan vegetable broth (such as Pacific Foods)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 small bunch fresh oregano leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
• 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 cups radicchio, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Vegan parmesan cheese to top (optional, such as Follow Your Heart brand)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, bring water and vegetable broth to a boil.
3. Once boiling, add the polenta, salt, and olive oil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the chopped oregano and basil (if using).
5. In a baking dish, spread the cooked polenta in an even layer. Top with the diced red onion.
6. Arrange the radicchio and cherry tomatoes on top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is slightly crispy and the polenta is cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with vegan parmesan cheese (if using).
9. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming no additional oil or salt during cooking)

• Calories: Approx. 300-350 calories per serving (depending on the brand of polenta and vegan parmesan used)
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Fat: 8-10g (mainly from olive oil)
• Protein: 8-10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Vegan-friendly
• Hearty and comforting
• Great as a side dish or light meal with a salad or soup pairing
• Textured and flavorful due to the combination of polenta and radicchio

User Comments:

• "This was a great dish! The combination of flavors was so unique and refreshing."
• "I loved the texture of the polenta paired with the crisp radicchio."
• "This dish was perfect for a vegetarian friend who doesn't eat gluten. The vegan parmesan added a great cheesy flavor."
• "I made this for my family and they loved it! It was a hit at our dinner table."
• "The recipe was easy to follow and turned out perfectly."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good quality vegan parmesan to add a rich, cheesy flavor if desired. Follow Your Heart brand is a good option.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference, adding more salt or herbs if desired.
• For best results, use fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and radicchio that are in season.