Dairy-Free Creamy Polenta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this luscious Dairy-Free Creamy Polenta, a silky-smooth side dish perfect for any meal. Made with coarse cornmeal simmered to perfection in water and unsweetened almond milk, this recipe achieves a rich, velvety texture without the use of dairy. Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy flavor, while a hint of garlic powder and black pepper brings depth to every bite. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil, this plant-based polenta is not only wholesome but also incredibly versatile—serve it as a cozy side dish or as the base for roasted vegetables, stews, or your favorite protein. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dairy-free delight is a must-try for anyone seeking a gluten-free, vegan alternative to classic creamy polenta.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Step 1

In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 2

In a slow stream, add 1 cup of coarse cornmeal, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Gradually add 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, continuing to stir. The polenta should start to become creamy.

Step 5

Add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 0.5 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix well to incorporate.

Step 6

Cook the polenta over low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking, until the grains are tender and the texture is very creamy, about 25 minutes.

Step 7

If the polenta becomes too thick, stir in more almond milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.

Step 9

Remove from the heat and let sit for a minute or two before serving.

Step 10

Spoon the polenta onto plates and serve warm, as a side dish or a bed for your favorite vegetables or protein.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1246.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1218.0

Total Fat 34.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2566.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 196.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.8g	0%
Total Sugars 1.5g
Protein 24.2g	0%

Vitamin D 100.0IU	0%
Calcium 515.5mg	0%
Iron 7.1mg	0%
Potassium 728.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.9%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 66.0%