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.
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
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–Saturated fat 2g
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Carbohydrates 45g
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–Sugars 19g
-
Dietary fibre 9g
-
Sodium 380mg
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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.
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.
