Name: Creamy Vegan Polenta with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 cups water, or vegetable stock (decrease salt by ¼ tsp if using broth); 1 ½ cups unsweetened oat milk (use one without flavorings or additives); ¾ cup dairy-free half and half, divided (such as Silk or substitute with cashew cream); 1 tsp salt; 1 cup yellow polenta; 1-2 tbsp vegan butter (optional, e.g., Country Crock Plant Butter); 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (550g); 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups Tuscan kale (Lacinato kale), roughly chopped; ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup fresh basil, chopped; Red pepper flakes, to taste; Squeeze of lemon juice, to taste; Grated vegan Parmesan, to taste (e.g., Violife Just Like Parmesan Wedge); 1 recipe Crispy Baked Chickpeas (optional)

Ingredients

2 cups water or vegetable stock (reduce salt by ¼ tsp if using broth)

1 ½ cups unsweetened oat milk (plain, without flavorings or additives)

¾ cup dairy-free half and half, divided (or substitute cashew cream)

1 tsp salt

1 cup yellow polenta

1-2 tbsp vegan butter (optional, such as Country Crock Plant Butter)

3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 550g)

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups Tuscan kale (Lacinato kale), roughly chopped

½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped

¼ tsp salt

½ cup fresh basil, chopped

Red pepper flakes, to taste

Squeeze of lemon juice, to taste

Grated vegan Parmesan, to taste (such as Violife Just Like Parmesan Wedge)

1 recipe Crispy Baked Chickpeas (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, bring the water, oat milk, and ½ cup of dairy-free half and half to a boil.

Step 2: Add the salt, then slowly stir in the polenta. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: When ready to serve, stir in the remaining ¼ cup of dairy-free half and half and 1-2 tbsp of vegan butter for extra creaminess.

Step 4: While the polenta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized.

Step 5: If using, prepare the crispy baked chickpeas according to your chosen recipe.

Step 6: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic, chopped kale, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the kale wilts slightly. Season with ¼ tsp salt or to taste.

Step 7: To serve, spoon the creamy polenta into bowls. Top with the caramelized onion and kale mixture, then add crispy chickpeas if desired.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh basil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon juice, and grated vegan Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use vegetable stock instead of water for a richer polenta flavor, but reduce added salt accordingly.

Cashew cream is a great substitute for dairy-free half and half if you prefer a thicker texture.

For extra crunch and protein, serve with crispy baked chickpeas or toasted nuts.

If you don’t have Tuscan kale, curly kale or spinach can be used instead.

Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level to enhance the dish.

Storage

Store leftover polenta and caramelized onion mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the polenta over low heat, stirring in a splash of oat milk to restore creaminess. Reheat the onion and kale mixture in a skillet until warmed through before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of oat milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk if you are not vegan or dairy-free. It will give the polenta a creamy texture but alter the dish from its vegan base.

How do I know when the polenta is cooked?

The polenta is ready when it thickens and pulls away slightly from the sides of the pot. It should be smooth and creamy but not grainy or runny. Stirring occasionally prevents lumps.