Tasty Tuesday!

Polenta with Beans

     Months ago I was visiting my local book store and came across a book called "Fresh and Fast Vegan Pleasures" by Amanda Grant. Personally I would have went with a different title for a vegan cookbook but Amanda Grant has published at least one vegan cookbook and I have published zero...so what do I know? Anyway, I bought this book before I became a vegetarian because I really liked all the recipes and was interested in reducing my meat consumption. I don't eat a lot of processed foods, like tofu, soy milk, soy cheese, soy sausage, etc., so I have always been disappointed to open a vegetarian or vegan cookbook and find tons of recipes featuring these items. However, this book was different and featured lots of recipes just using fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. 

     When I made this recipe a couple of nights ago I was craving polenta (corn grits) so while flipping through the index I found this Tanzanian recipe that was super quick, very tasty, and only had a few ingredients. According to the description you are supposed to eat this recipe using only your hands by taking the cornmeal, rolling it into little balls, and dipping each piece into the beans. I'd suggest using a spoon though. Enjoy!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons of turmeric
• 7 ounces of light coconut milk
• 10 ounces of water
• 14 ounce can of kidney beans or garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 cup of polenta

1. Heat the oil in a frying pan and saute the onions over high heat until they are soft and translucent. Add the turmeric, and cook, stirring for a few minutes (don't let the onions burn!). 
2. Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a boil. Add the beans and simmer for 10 minutes
3. Cook the polenta to package directions. I usually use 1 cup polenta to two cups water. Use more water if you want a creamier polenta.
4. Divide the beans between bowls, and eat alongside the polenta.

Cook the onions until translucent.

Get crackin' on that polenta. Pay attention, it cooks very fast.

Add the turmeric.

Stir in coconut milk and add the beans.

Let that mess marinate for a bit.

Dig in!

Take care of yourself and each other...