Roasted Winter Vegetables with Cheesy Polenta

From EatingWell: November/December 2007 — Subscribe Now!

Creamy polenta laced with sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano makes a savory bed for sweet roasted vegetables. Butternut squash and cauliflower florets are called for, but you could vary the combination of roasted vegetables depending on the season or your cravings at the moment. Complete the meal with a salad of assertive winter greens.

READER'S COMMENT:

"This is quick veg meal that my family enjoys. The polenta is really quick and easy, and I vary the veggies based on what I have on hand. Nancy, Minneapolis, MN "

Roasted Winter Vegetables with Cheesy Polenta Recipe

4 servings

Active Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

4 cups cauliflower florets, (see Tip)
4 cups cubed peeled butternut squash, (1 1/2-inch chunks)
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
2/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano

Preparation

Preheat oven to 500°F.
Toss cauliflower, squash and onion in a large bowl with oil, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and salt. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring once, until tender and browned in spots, 25 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine broth and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in cornmeal, rosemary and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until very thick and creamy, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in cheese; remove the polenta from the heat. Serve the vegetables over the polenta.

Tips & Notes

Tip: To prepare florets from a whole head of cauliflower, remove outer leaves. Slice off the thick stem. With the head upside down and holding a knife at a 45° angle, slice into the smaller stems with a circular motion—removing a “plug” from the center of the head. Break or cut florets into the desired size. To store, refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Per serving: 336 calories; 14 g fat (5 g sat, 5 g mono); 20 mg cholesterol; 44 g carbohydrates; 14 g protein; 9 g fiber; 688 mg sodium; 812 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (520% daily value), Vitamin C (160% dv), Potassium (33% dv), Calcium (30% dv), Folate (29% dv)

2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 high-fat meat, 1 fat