Vege pies with polenta
These warming vegetable pies are packed with goodness and flavour and are topped with gorgeous, cheesy polenta, making them hearty and satisfying for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Reviewed by our expert panel Serves: 4
Time to make: 45 mins
Total cost: $12.04 / $3.01 per serve
(at time of publication)
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, trimmed, chopped
- 1 red capsicum, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- pinch dried chilli flakes
- ¼ cup no-added-salt tomato paste
- 400g can no-added-salt diced tomatoes
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
- 75g fresh baby spinach
- 400g can borlotti beans, drained, rinsed
- 2 cups skim milk
- ¾ cup polenta
- 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon finely grated zest
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
1 Heat oil in a large saucepan over a medium-high heat. Cook onion, carrots, celery and capsicum for 5-7 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Add oregano, garlic and chilli flakes. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2 Add tomato paste, tomatoes and 1/2 cup cold water. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes until vegetables are cooked through and sauce thickens. Add basil, spinach and beans. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute until heated through.
3 Meanwhile, combine milk and 1 cup cold water in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to the boil over a medium-high heat. Slowly pour in polenta, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest. Stand for 2 minutes until thickened slightly.
4 Preheat grill to high. Spoon bean mixture into 4 x 2-cup-capacity ovenproof dishes (or an 8-cup-capacity ovenproof dish). Top with polenta. Sprinkle with parmesan. Grill for 5 minutes until cheese melts and starts to brown.
Serving suggestion
Green salad
Variations
- Try these pies with mashed kumara instead of polenta.
- Replace borlotti beans with canned lentils or kidney beans.
Nutrition Info (per serve)
-
Calories 225cal
-
Kilojoules 940kJ
-
Protein 17g
-
Total fat 5g
-
–Saturated fat 2g
-
Carbohydrates 45g
-
–Sugars 19g
-
Dietary fibre 9g
-
Sodium 380mg
-
Calcium 360mg
-
Iron 3.5mg
Note: This nutrition analysis is a guide only. Nutrition composition will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. See our guides on your optimal daily nutrition intake, and supermarket shopping.
Photographer: Ian Wallace
For more healthy recipes and expert diet advice go to www.healthyfood.com
© Healthy Life media Limited. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission prohibited.
© Healthy Life media Limited. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission prohibited.
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