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Polenta is cornmeal porridge native to Northern Italy. In this recipe, it becomes the base for a layered deep-dish pie.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 10 hrs 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
12 oz (340g) nonfat plain yoghurt
1 cup (150g) polenta or yellow corn grits
3 cups (720mL) water
1 tsp (6g) sea salt
1 1/2 cups (360mL) bottled pizza sauce
1 cup (180g) red onion, sliced
1/4 lb (115g) field mushrooms, sliced
3 Tbs (20g) capers
1 tomato, sliced
1 cup (150g) green bell pepper, sliced
3 Tbs (25g) grated Parmesan*
1/3 cup (15g) fresh basil, chopped
The day before serving, prepare “cheese” by mixing yoghurt with 1/2 tsp (3g) salt and pouring into a strainer lined with a few layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze cloth gently around yoghurt and place over bowl. Refrigerate and let drain at least 10 hours. Carefully remove cheesecloth from ball of cheese.
Bring water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan. Stir polenta and 1/2 tsp (2g) salt into boiling water with a wire whisk. Reduce heat, cover and cook, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes or until thick but soft. Pour polenta into a 9-inch (23cm) nonstick pie plate and spread evenly over bottom and up sides of dish.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C/gas mark 7). Spread pizza sauce over polenta. Arrange vegetables over sauce, then top with yoghurt cheese, capers and Parmesan cheese. Bake 25 minutes or until pie is bubbling hot throughout. Remove pie from oven and top with basil.
* Allergy notes: The egg protein lysozyme is an unlabeled additive in some cheeses. People allergic to eggs should eliminate any cheese in this recipe.
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The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.