Diabetic Corn and Tomato Polenta
Diabetic Corn and Tomato Polenta Recipe - Healthy & Delicious Italian Vegetarian Dish
Introduction
This Diabetic Corn and Tomato Polenta recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal option. With a combination of cornmeal, tomato sauce, and spices, this dish is sure to please your taste buds.
History
Polenta is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is typically made from cornmeal and can be served in a variety of ways. This recipe puts a twist on the classic polenta dish by adding tomato sauce and other flavorful ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 qt (946 ml) water
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 0.5 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried leaf oregano
- 0.5 cup whole-kernel corn, drained
- 0.5 tsp hot pepper flakes, crushed
- pepper to taste
How to prepare
- In a heavy, 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly pour cornmeal into the saucepan, stirring to keep it smooth. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often until the mixture is stiff.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat tomato sauce, oregano, corn, hot pepper flakes, and pepper.
- When the cornmeal is stiff, turn half of it into a serving dish and top with half of the sauce.
- Layer the remaining cornmeal and sauce and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Food Exchange per serving
- 1.5 STARCH/BREAD EXCHANGE
- Calories: 105
- CHO: 0 g
- CAR: 23 g
- PRO: 3 g
- SOD: 208 mg
- FAT: 0 g
Variations
- Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
- Top with grated cheese before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Mix in cooked ground turkey or chicken for added protein.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to stir the cornmeal constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.
- Adjust the amount of hot pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a little bit of milk or cream to the cornmeal mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making a successful polenta is to cook it slowly and stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Be patient and keep stirring until the mixture is thick and creamy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have yellow cornmeal, you can use white cornmeal or polenta instead. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce for a fresher flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the polenta ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the polenta squares on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the polenta squares until heated through or warm them in a skillet on the stovetop.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this Diabetic Corn and Tomato Polenta contains 105 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this Diabetic Corn and Tomato Polenta contains 23 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
This dish is low in fat, with each serving containing 0 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of this dish contains 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the tomato sauce. It also contains iron, potassium, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.
Summary
Overall, this Diabetic Corn and Tomato Polenta is a nutritious and balanced dish that is perfect for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels while still enjoying delicious food.
Summary
This Diabetic Corn and Tomato Polenta recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal option. With a combination of cornmeal, tomato sauce, and spices, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Diabetic Corn and Tomato Polenta. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was many years ago. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned home from the farmers' market with a basket full of fresh corn and juicy tomatoes. As I unpacked my groceries, I couldn't help but feel inspired to create something new and delicious with my fresh ingredients.
I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and putting my own twist on old classics. But this time, I wanted to create something that was not only delicious but also healthy, especially for my loved ones who were living with diabetes. I wanted to show them that eating well and enjoying food didn't have to be mutually exclusive.
As I stood in my kitchen, staring at the pile of fresh vegetables on my countertop, an idea began to form in my mind. I remembered a dish my grandmother used to make when I was a child – creamy polenta topped with sweet corn and tangy tomatoes. It was a simple yet satisfying dish that always brought a smile to my face. And I knew that with a few tweaks, I could turn it into a diabetic-friendly meal that would be just as delicious.
I quickly got to work, shucking the corn and slicing the tomatoes, while a pot of water came to a boil on the stove. I added the corn kernels to the pot, along with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, letting them simmer until they were tender and sweet. In another pot, I cooked some coarse cornmeal with water, stirring continuously until it thickened into a creamy polenta.
Once both components were ready, I combined them in a large bowl, folding in the tomatoes and a handful of fresh basil leaves. The dish smelled heavenly, the sweetness of the corn mingling with the acidity of the tomatoes and the earthy aroma of the basil. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.
As I took my first bite, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The dish tasted just like my grandmother used to make, with a few modern twists to make it healthier and more suitable for those with diabetes. The sweetness of the corn was balanced by the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that danced on my tongue.
I knew that I had stumbled upon something special, a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. And as I shared it with my loved ones, watching their faces light up with joy as they tasted the dish, I knew that I had truly created something magical.
Since that day, Diabetic Corn and Tomato Polenta has become a regular feature on my family's dinner table. It's a dish that brings us together, reminding us of the simple pleasures of good food and good company. And every time I make it, I can't help but think of my grandmother, who passed down her love of cooking and her passion for creating delicious meals that nourish both body and soul.
So here's to family recipes, to the joy of cooking, and to the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones. May this recipe bring as much happiness to your table as it has to mine. Enjoy!
Categories
| Chile Pepper Recipes | Corn Recipes | Cornmeal Recipes | Italian Recipes | Oregano Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |