Ingredients

The following ingredients have 9 Servings
  • ½ of a 16-oz. pkg. tube-style polenta
  • 1 8-oz. pkg. fresh cremini mushrooms, coarsely chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 fresh jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped (see tip in recipe intro)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon date paste
  • 1 tablespoon no-salt-added almond butter
  • 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 15-oz. can no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 1 14.5-oz. can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 15-oz. can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15-oz. can no-salt-added pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1½ cups frozen fire-roasted corn
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings, such as toasted pepitas, chopped fresh cilantro, and/or julienne-cut jicama

Instruction

  • Preheat broiler. For croutons, cut polenta into ½-inch cubes. Place polenta in a single layer on a baking sheet. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned, tossing once. Cool on a wire rack.
  • In a large pot cook the next five ingredients (through garlic) over medium 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water, 1 to 2 Tbsp. at a time, as needed to prevent sticking.
  • Stir in the next seven ingredients (through cinnamon); cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add the next six ingredients (through corn). Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer 30 to 40 minutes to blend flavors.
  • Season with salt and black pepper. Top servings with croutons and, if desired, pepitas, cilantro, and jicama.