Polenta Lasagna

I saw this Polenta Lasagna on-line on myrecipes.com and was inspired to make it, not only for the fact that it kept to our "moderation" theme in the calorie department, but because it just looked darn good. It sure is one of those quick no fuss dinners too - another bonus on the lazy Monday of a 3 day weekend.

Onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, zucchini and garlic are sauteed with a small amount of Italian sausage (I used Sprouts' fresh hot Italian) then made saucy with a jar of purchased marinara, Trader Joe's in my case. I certainly could have used a container of the home made variety I have hiding in my freezer had I really been thinking; however, all of this is layered with polenta and a touch of cheese in a casserole dish then baked until hot and bubbly. It is rich, gooey, spicy and all together a totally satisfying dinner, served along side a fresh green salad. It was a darn good thing I only made half the recipe or the moderation kick would have been ruined by second and third helpings!

It never ceases to amaze me how one can take a simple thing like ground corn and make it into a rich filling wonderful dish like polenta. I mean, when you think about it this polenta casserole is really an Italian version of the Mexican tamale isn't it? Now I've gone and done it - it's my excuse to make tamales. See, there's an example of some perfect female logic isn't it?

Comments

[noble pig]

I love the polenta idea, I know my hubby would too.

[Mags]

I like your female logic! (Of course, I'm a female too so I completely relate...LOL)

Polenta is another one of those dishes I've never tried but thinking now that I must, especially if it's possible to make it into lasagna.

[June]

Cathy - I was really surprised that the big guy liked it, but he did.

Mags - it's really filling and tasty stuff - just yellow grits is all. I love it with cheese in it and it's fabulous fried. Course what isn't?

[Lea]

Nice comfort food! Bet you slept well.

[Sarah G]

I am always looking for new ways to use polenta.

[June]

Lea - sleeping well! That's what other people do. Unfortunately I don't get a full night's sleep very often. Guilty conscience?

Sarah - Do you have any favorites?