Today was peaceful and balanced. It wasn’t dramatic—just a quiet day when I felt fully present with my family. Some days I rush through everything and lose sight of the little moments. “Moments are the molecules that make up eternity” ~Neil A. Maxwell. We tried the polenta enchilada vegetarian lasagna and absolutely loved it. It took a few tweaks to get the layers and cheese just right, but the result was delicious and entirely vegetarian. Now, back to life.
I’m behind my four-year-old as she stands on a small stool at the bathroom sink. She is very diligent at brushing her teeth, so I usually step in a few times a week to help. Flossing is another matter. On this day I lean over and carefully brush away oatmeal crumbs from her mouth—her current favorite breakfast. She hums a little tune with a toothbrush in her mouth, and the simple act of caring for her makes me reflective. Time moves so quickly; one day she will be grown and gone.
Watching our children reminds me how humble, trusting, and open they are. I want to love and teach them well, and to learn from their example. Imagine if adults were more teachable and forgiving.
When it came time to floss, she spun around with wide eyes and shouted, “Mom! I have the best idea! Dad has a headband with a light and you could use it to floss my teeth! IT’S GOING TO BE AWESOME!” How could I refuse? I’m grateful to be her mom and excited to hear our oldest’s school stories later—recess adventures, stinky boys, and all the small joys that make a day memorable.
What is Polenta?
Polenta is an Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal. It can be enjoyed warm as a creamy porridge or cooled and sliced to bake, fry, or grill. It’s versatile and pairs well with many savory sauces and vegetables.
Is Polenta Gluten Free?
Yes—polenta is made from cornmeal, which does not contain wheat or gluten. It’s naturally gluten free if prepared without cross-contamination from gluten-containing ingredients.
Is Polenta the Same Thing as Cornmeal?
Polenta and cornmeal are essentially the same ingredient, but grind sizes vary. Cornmeal comes in fine, medium, and coarse grinds. Polenta typically refers to a medium to medium-coarse grind, which gives it a distinct texture when cooked.
Polenta Enchilada Vegetarian Lasagna
Polenta Enchilada Vegetarian Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 Box Polenta, uncooked, or 2 boxes precooked polenta
- 1 Packet Old El Paso Roasted Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 Onion, sliced thin
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, sliced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced
- 3 Small Zucchini, halved and sliced
- 1 1/2 Cups Sweet Corn
- 1 Can Pinto Beans, drained (or black beans)
- 1 Can Fire Roasted Tomatoes, 14 oz, drained
- 2 1/2 Cups Colby Jack Cheese, grated (add more for extra cheesiness)
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
-
Prepare the polenta according to package directions. Pour into a greased 8×9″ casserole dish and chill for 1 hour or up to 1 day.
-
Turn the chilled polenta out onto a cutting board and slice into 1/4″ to 1/2″ slices.
-
Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Grill the polenta slices 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear. Set aside.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce and sour cream.
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the onions, bell peppers, and zucchini and sauté until they soften and begin to brown.
-
Stir in the corn, drained pinto beans, and drained fire-roasted tomatoes, then add the enchilada-sour cream sauce. Simmer briefly to combine flavors.
-
Spread two spoonfuls of the sauce in the bottom of the casserole dish. Arrange a single layer of grilled polenta slices side by side.
-
Top the polenta with the vegetable-bean mixture, a sprinkle of cheese, then another layer of polenta slices.
-
Repeat layering until the dish is filled, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
-
Bake for 20 minutes, then let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Cheesy Ham and Potato Bacon Casserole
Vegetarian Tostadas