It was one of those nights - when dinner just hits the spot and turns out oh so good. I found the recipe after a quick search this morning and couldn't wait until official "dinner time" started. I was thinking about it all day long.

I went to World Market yesterday to pick up coffee (it was double punch Wednesday. Which means you get two punches on your coffee card :) Even though I was in a bit of a hurry I couldn't help but make a B-line through the food section. On impulse I picked up some polenta, an ingredient I've only used once before a few years ago.

This morning as I was getting ready for my day I was already thinking ahead to dinner. Not unusual for me - I've always got dinner on my mind. After looking at the nutrition label I was impressed that 100 grams of polenta only has 70 calories so I knew this was something that would definitely fit into Dani's calorie count for dinner. After a quick search on thekitchn.com I found Breanne's Polenta with Black Beans and Coconut Tomato. When I saw that I had all the ingredients at home I knew this was what I was making for dinner. And, it turned out delicious!

To prepare the polenta I weighed each slice so I would know the approximate calorie count. Each slice came out to about 50 grams (i.e. 35 calories) so I planned for 4 slices of polenta per serving (140 calories). Together with the sauteed spinach, 1/2 cup of black beans and 3/4 cup tomato topping this dinner came out to about 500 calories. We also each had an artichoke on the side and a salad. It was a full meal and we were both completely stuffed afterwards.

If you've never tried polenta I would encourage you to do so. You can find it in most grocery stores prepared in a little sausage which is perfect for slicing. Polenta is made with ground yellow or white cornmeal and can be eaten creamy or solid. It is the staple food of northern Italy and used to be described as peasant food. If you get the prepared kind as I did you can keep it in your pantry for a few months so it's a good staple to keep on hand for a quick, healthy, low calorie meal. Just be sure you don't stir in too much butter or cheese as many recipes suggest!

Here are a few more polenta recipes to try:
Savory Polenta from Alton Brown
Creamy Polenta with Warm Tomato Compote from Cooking Lite (153 calories per serving)
Polenta and Vegetable Bake from EatingWell.com (215 calories per serving)

0 comments