Balsamic Lentil Ragu with Sweet Corn Polenta
This balsamic lentil ragu sauce is loaded rich and flavorful with mushrooms, miso and a bit of soy sauce for a savory umami kick. Served over warm sweet corn polenta for a hearty meatless meal.
Servings: 4
Calories: 318kcal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked French Puy lentils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 2 small carrots finely chopped
- 1 large celery rib finely chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 1 1/2 tbsp miso
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 15 oz can chopped tomatoes
- 1/4-1/2 cup vegetable broth optional
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
For the Sweet Corn Polenta
- 2 ears fresh corn shucked (or 1 cup frozen sweet corn, thawed)
- 1 cup dry polenta or grits
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey sub maple syrup for vegan
- 1/2 tsp salt + more to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add onion and cook until just translucent. About 5 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, mushrooms and garlic and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until just softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Toast for 2 minutes before adding in the red wine. Cook over high heat until the alcohol has cooked off, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together coconut cream (melt in microwave if solid), miso paste and soy sauce. Add to the pot along with the chopped tomatoes and lentils. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add up to 1/2 cup vegetable broth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered until the liquid has reduced. Once the desired consistency is reached, remove from heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar.
- Serve warm on top of polenta with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- For the Sweet Corn Polenta
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the dry grits, corn kernels and salt and cook covered, stirring frequently for 15-20 minutes, until all the water is absorbed.
- Stir in the honey and olive oil. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 981mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 17g