Description
Spicy polenta blends Italian comfort with Indian zest in this hearty fusion dish. Creamy cornmeal meets bold chickpea curry, offering you a global culinary adventure that satisfies deep hunger and sparks delightful flavor conversations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) polenta
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) water
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat water in a medium saucepan until boiling, then gradually incorporate polenta with constant whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring periodically, until the mixture transforms into a thick, smooth consistency with a creamy texture.
- Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic over medium heat until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- Add chickpeas and ground spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the onion mixture.
- Allow the chickpea curry to cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring intermittently to ensure even distribution of spices and develop rich, complex flavors.
- Once polenta reaches a creamy consistency and chickpea curry is fully seasoned, transfer the polenta to serving plates.
- Ladle the spiced chickpea curry generously over the polenta, creating an appetizing layered presentation.
- Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro leaves as a vibrant and aromatic garnish before serving immediately.
Notes
- Polenta’s consistency matters most, so whisk continuously to prevent stubborn lumps from forming during cooking.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for an extra flavor boost in the polenta, enhancing its taste profile.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper to suit individual heat tolerance and dietary preferences.
- For a protein-packed vegan version, ensure all ingredients are plant-based and consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 227 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg