Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Grilled Polenta with Portabello Mushrooms

Portabello mushrooms are a great meat substitute. The portabella mushrooms in this recipe give the meal a hearty taste one associates with meat-based meals.

1/2 cup polenta (coarsely ground cornmeal)
1 15-ounce can vegetable broth or 2 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup water
4 large portabella mushrooms
1 TBSP olive oil 2 TBSP soy sauce
2 TBSP balsamic vinegar
2 TBSP red wine
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 roasted red pepper, cut into thin strips for garnish

Combine the polenta, vegetable broth, and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until very thick, 15 to 20 minutes. Pour into a 9 x 9-inch baking dish and chill completely (at least 2 hours). To grill, cut into wedges, brush or spray lightly with olive oil, and cook

Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Prepare the marinade by stirring the remaining ingredients together in a large bowl. Place the mushrooms upside down in the marinade and let stand 10 to 15 minutes. Turn right side up and grill over medium-hot coals about 5 minutes. Turn and pour some of the marinade into each of the cavities. Grill until mushrooms can be pierced with a skewer, about 5 minutes longer. Serve with grilled polenta. Garnish with roasted red pepper strips, if desired.

Note: Many other vegetables are delicious grilled as well. Grilled zucchini, eggplant, sweet potatoes, peppers, or asparagus would make great accompaniments.

From: http://www.eartheasy.com/eat_vegetarian.htm

Hearty Bean and Pasta Stew

1 c. onions, chopped
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
16 oz can diced tomatoes
15 oz. can black beans, rinsed
15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed
15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed
4 oz. shell macaroni
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/8 tsp pepper
3 oz. salsa (or more to taste)
3 c. water

Saute the onions and green pepper in olive oil. Add tomatoes, water and beans and bring to a boil. Add pasta, oregano, basil and pepper and cook 10 mins. Add salsa and heat until it’s warm.

From: http://www.eartheasy.com/eat_vegetarian.htm