How to Make Mexican + Italian Polenta Pie Bites

Two things are important in a plant-based kitchen...

1. Having a quick go-to meal/recipe you can make from everyday ingredients and
2. Having a yummy appetizer when entertaining guests (that's quick and easy!)

Today's recipe satisfies both of those plant-based kitchen requirements and it is… Polenta Pie Bites and they're awesome for 3 reasons.

1. This recipe is well received by everyone.  Meat-lovers, traditional American eaters and vegans all love this recipe.  I've made it for family holiday gatherings and its always been a hit.  I've also made these for myself (and eaten the whole tray which is absolutely okay!) and I've made these as an app to munch on while cooking dinner with friends.
2. You can make this recipe on the fly by using common ingredients you already have in your house (see recipe and bonus tips below).  Additionally, it's easy to switch up the ingredients and continually make new and exciting kinds.
3. Kids also enjoy preparing this dish because they get to decorate each mini polenta pie so get your kiddos involved in this one too!

Here's how to make it...

You can really mix and match any combination of ingredients for these but here are 2 of my favorite kinds.

Mexican Polenta Pie Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 tube pre-made polenta (I prefer plain for this recipe) evenly sliced
• 1/2 jar medium or mild salsa
• 1/2 small yellow, orange or green bell pepper julienned (or a few from all colors)
• 1/4 onion finely chopped
• 2 TB fresh cilantro finely chopped for garnish

* Note: for the peppers, cut the pepper in half (not length-wise) and then julienne the peppers.  This way they'll be the perfect size for the polenta and not too long.

Instructions:

* Instructions are also available in the video above.

1. Turn the oven on to a low broil.
2. Finely chop the onion and julienne the peppers.  
3. Remove polenta from the wrapper and slice into even pieces (about 1/4 in. to 3/8 in. thick.  This will yield about 15 slices).  
4. Place polenta on a baking sheet (no need to spray with oil first.  They hardly stick.  Save yourself 100s of unnecessary fat calories!).
5. Dollop a small spoon of salsa onto each polenta slice and flatten and even out.
6. Sprinkle a a few pieces of onion onto each polenta slice.
7. Add 3 pieces of julienned pepper on-top of each slice.
8. Place in the oven for 20 minutes or until edges are golden and peppers begin to slightly brown.
9. Remove polenta from oven.
10. Using a spatula, remove from the tray and on to a serving dish.
11. Sprinkle each polenta with the cilantro garnish.
12. Serve and enjoy :)

Bonus Tips:

• For the peppers, cut the pepper in half (not length-wise) and then julienne the peppers.  This way they'll be the perfect size for the polenta and not too long.
• When placing polenta onto the baking sheet, place thicker slices closest to the rim of the sheet and thinner slices on the inside.  The rim holds more heat and placing the slices this way will ensure they cook evenly.  
• Other ingredients to use include corn, beans, jalapeño pepper and thin and small avocado slices as garnish.
• Don't cook delicate herbs such as fresh cilantro, parsley and basil in the oven with the polenta.  They'll darken, possible burn and lose their vibrant color.  Instead, sprinkle them on fresh right before serving. 

Italian Polenta Pie Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 tube pre-made polenta (can be sun-dreid tomato flavor, basil flavor or plain)
• 1/4-1/2 jar spaghetti sauce (oil-free and preferably sugar-free)
• 1/4 chopped onion
• 10-15 cherry or grape tomatoes sliced in half
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 TB fresh basil (or parsley) finely chopped for garnish

Bonus Tips:

• Other ingredients to use include olives, dried italian herbs, sliced mushroom, capers, oregano and freshly chopped basil as a garnish. 
• Don't cook delicate herbs such as fresh cilantro, parsley and basil in the oven with the polenta.  They'll darken, possible burn and lose their vibrant color.  Instead, sprinkle them on fresh right before serving. 
• When placing polenta onto the baking sheet, place thicker slices closest to the rim of the sheet and thinner slices on the inside.  The rim holds more heat and placing the slices this way will ensure they cook evenly.  

Take Control Now Question

What toppings would you add to your own Polenta Pie Bites?

Answer by clicking 'comments' below.