Skip to main content

Miso Polenta With Spring Vegetables

4.5

(4)

A serving of polenta topped with glazed torn tofu snap peas and sliced mushrooms.
Photo by Laura Murray

We skipped the milk, butter, and cheese in this polenta; a spoonful of savory miso adds tons of depth while still keeping the texture light.

Like this Bon Appétit recipe? There are plenty more where this came from. Subscribe to the magazine here!

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

¾ cup polenta (not quick-cooking)
2 Tbsp. white miso
Kosher salt
1 bunch spring onions or scallions
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
½ (14-oz.) block firm tofu, drained, patted dry, torn into bite-size pieces
4 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced if large
3 garlic cloves
½ cup shelled fresh peas (from about ½ lb. pods) or frozen peas, thawed
8 oz. sugar snap peas, strings removed
2 Tbsp. black bean garlic sauce
Toasted sesame seeds (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add polenta and miso and whisk vigorously to incorporate. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking often in the beginning and less often as mixture thickens, until polenta is tender, 30–35 minutes. Season with salt. Keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, cut dark green tops from spring onions and thinly slice; set aside for serving. Cut white and pale green parts into 3” pieces, halving lengthwise if thick; set aside. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook tofu, tossing occasionally, until browned and crisp around the edges, about 5 minutes. Season lightly with salt and transfer to a plate.

    Step 3

    Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in same skillet and cook mushrooms, tossing occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and reserved white and pale green parts of spring onions and cook, tossing often, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add both peas; cook, tossing occasionally, until bright green and beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add black bean sauce and ¾ cup water and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring once or twice, until vegetables are crisp-tender and liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

    Step 4

    Transfer polenta to a platter. Top with tofu and vegetables. Spoon sauce over and top with sesame seeds and reserved spring onion tops.

Read More
For the full effect, enjoy over a bed of rice with a pint of cold beer.
This custardy and comforting tofu comes together in minutes, all thanks to your microwave. Serve with rice or bread for an easy meal.
This fragrant salad uses bulgur wheat as its base, an endlessly versatile, slightly chewy grain that’s very popular throughout the eastern Mediterranean.
Chewy noodles, tinned fish, and hardy greens in an umami broth.
This vegan version of the classic North African scramble uses soft silken tofu instead of eggs without any sacrifice of flavor.
Traditionally, this Mexican staple is simmered for hours in an olla, or clay pot. You can achieve a similar result by using canned beans and instant ramen.
Scoop up these warmly spiced chickpeas with any flatbread or spoon them onto rice.
Any variety of mushroom will love this glossy, tangy sauce.