Polenta Croutons

RECIPE BY GINA FROM HEALTHY LITTLE VITTLES

Here's an interesting take on croutons. It's much more nutritious, flavourful and filling. Ready-made polenta can be bought in most  grocery stores nowadays, but you can always use a freshly made polenta if you want to do everything by scratch. Serve this on top of salads, or you can also serve them as is as a bite-sized snack. Delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 18 oz (510g) ready-made polenta, cubed
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 2-3 tablespoons oil (olive or avocado)

METHOD

1. First, you'll cut the ready-made polenta into cubes. Place the cubes in a glass bowl. Next, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, vegan parmesan cheese, and salt in a small bowl and mix together. Add the bowl with the cubed polenta and add 2 tablespoons of oil, preferably olive or avocado oil. Stir to mix well.
2. In a single layer, add each seasoned cube to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees F for 20 minutes. If you desire a little extra crisp, broil for 5-7 minutes.

GINA FONTANA | @healthylitttlevittles  www.healthylittlevittles

Gina Fontana, is the recipe developer, photographer, and certified health coach behind the popular blog Healthy Little Vittles, where she shares delicious plant-based, gluten-free recipes. In 2013, after a lifelong search for answers to her unexplained health ailments, Gina was diagnosed with thyroid disease. Switching to a gluten-free, plant-based diet transformed her life, prompting Gina to share her journey with others. Through her story, recipes and creative photography, Gina’s mission is to inspire people to pursue a healthier lifestyle and nourish our bodies with whole, plant-based foods. She is the published author of the books Moon Milk and The Beginner's Guide to Gluten-Free Vegan Baking. She lives in Columbus, OH with her husband, 5 year old son, 3 year old daughter, and two fur babies.