THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Vegan-Friendly Polenta with Rich Ragu
This comforting dish combines creamy polenta with a hearty, flavorful vegetable ragu that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It’s easy to make and packed with plant-based goodness everyone will enjoy.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Vegan-Friendly Polenta with Rich Ragu
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Step 1
Start by soaking the lentils in boiling water for about an hour. While that’s happening, mix the textured vegetable protein with the broth in another bowl and let it sit until the liquid is fully absorbed.
02
Step 2
Next, heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrot, celery, red bell pepper, and a bit of hot pepper. Cook everything, stirring now and then, until the onion looks soft and translucent—this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the lentils and add them along with the textured vegetable protein to the pot. Stir in the oregano and a bay leaf, then pour in the red wine and let it cook for about a minute, stirring as you go. Add the tomatoes, give it a good stir, and let the ragu simmer until it thickens and the lentils are tender—about 5 to 10 minutes. If it gets too thick, just splash in a little water.
03
Step 3
Meanwhile, bring the vegetable broth, water, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a saucepan. Lower the heat and slowly sprinkle in the polenta, stirring constantly so it doesn’t clump. Keep stirring as it cooks for about 10 minutes until it’s creamy and smooth. Stir in the vegan butter at the end for a nice, rich finish.
04
Step 4
Spoon the creamy polenta into bowls, remove the bay leaf from the ragu, and top each bowl with a generous helping of the sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of vegan white cheese and enjoy it warm.
Why you’ll love it
This dish combines creamy, comforting polenta with a deeply flavorful ragu that’s full of plant-based goodness. It’s satisfying and hearty, perfect for anyone looking for a warm, nourishing meal without any animal products.
How to serve
Serve this meal hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A side of steamed greens or a crisp salad pairs well to balance the richness, making it a well-rounded and vibrant plate.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or plant milk to loosen the polenta if it thickens too much.
