Creamy Vegan Mushroom & Spinach Polenta
This Creamy Vegan Mushroom & Spinach Polenta is the perfect cozy bowl for when you’re craving something comforting, nourishing, and packed with umami. A twist on the classic Italian dish, this version features a rich and creamy polenta base made with vegetable broth, almond milk, and a deeply savory blend of red miso and tahini. The result is a silky, flavorful canvas that’s both dairy-free and irresistibly satisfying.
The real star, though, is the mushroom-spinach topping—an earthy medley of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, sautéed with garlic, red onion, and thyme. A splash of tamari, a touch of maple syrup, and a bright hit of lemon juice bring balance and depth, while tender baby spinach adds freshness and color. Finished with toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil for heat (if you like it spicy), this dish delivers comfort and complexity in every bite.
Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up for guests, this plant-based polenta bowl feels both rustic and elevated. It’s simple enough for everyday cooking, yet layered with flavors that make it feel like something truly special.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom & Spinach Polenta
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins
Creamy Vegan Mushroom & Spinach Polenta Ingredients
Polenta:
1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium, since miso is salty)
½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for richness)
1.5 tbsp red miso paste (dissolved in 2 tbsp warm water)
1 tbsp tahini (or olive oil)
½ tsp garlic powder
Black pepper to taste
Mushroom-Spinach Topping:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large portobello mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red onion, diced
2 cups baby spinach
1 tsp thyme
1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
1 tsp maple syrup (balances miso’s saltiness)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Garnish:
Toasted sesame seeds
Fresh scallions
Chili oil (optional)
Creamy Vegan Mushroom & Spinach Polenta Instructions
Polenta:
Bring broth to a boil. Whisk in polenta, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 mins, stirring often.
Turn off heat. Stir in almond milk, dissolved miso paste, tahini, and garlic powder. Cover to keep warm.
Mushrooms:
Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until soft (~3 mins).
Add mushrooms, thyme, tamari, and maple syrup. Cook until caramelized (~8 mins).
Stir in spinach and lemon juice until wilted.
Serve:
Spoon polenta into bowls, top with mushrooms, and garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil.
Why This Works
Red miso adds a deep, fermented umami that pairs perfectly with earthy mushrooms.
Tahini mimics nutritional yeast’s richness while keeping it nutty and creamy.
Maple syrup balances miso’s saltiness—trust us, it’s magic!
This Creamy Vegan Mushroom & Spinach Polenta is more than just a cozy comfort meal—it’s a nutrient-rich, plant-powered dish that supports overall health and wellness. Each component of the recipe is thoughtfully chosen to nourish the body while delivering deep, satisfying flavor. Let’s break down the wellness benefits layer by layer.
Polenta Base: Wholesome Carbohydrates & Gut Health
Polenta, made from ground cornmeal, is naturally gluten-free and rich in complex carbohydrates that provide lasting energy. It’s a gentle grain that’s easy on digestion and offers small amounts of important nutrients like B vitamins and iron. Cooking the polenta with low-sodium vegetable broth boosts flavor while keeping sodium levels in check. The addition of unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for creaminess) adds a dairy-free richness and some healthy fats without the heaviness of cream.
Red miso paste, made from fermented soybeans, brings umami depth and a host of probiotic benefits. Fermented foods support gut health by encouraging healthy microbiota, which can improve digestion, immunity, and even mood regulation. Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, adds a dose of calcium, iron, and healthy fats—making this dish not only creamy, but nutrient-dense.
Mushroom & Spinach Topping: Antioxidants, Fiber & Immune Support
Mushrooms, especially cremini and shiitake, are among the most beneficial plant foods. They’re low in calories, rich in antioxidants (like ergothioneine), and known for their immune-boosting properties. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, contain compounds that support cardiovascular health and may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Garlic and red onion don’t just add flavor—they also offer antibacterial and antiviral properties, and support cardiovascular health. Garlic, especially when freshly minced, is known for its ability to boost immunity and lower blood pressure.
Spinach is a superfood in its own right, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, folate, magnesium, and iron. It’s great for supporting bone health, eye health, and detoxification. Cooking spinach gently in this dish ensures that you still retain many of its valuable nutrients while making it more digestible.
Seasoning & Balance: Mindful Enhancements
The seasoning in this recipe is designed to support both flavor and wellness. Tamari adds depth without overwhelming the dish with sodium (especially if you opt for a low-sodium version), and the maple syrup gently balances the saltiness of the miso while offering trace minerals like manganese and zinc. Lemon juice adds brightness and a dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps with iron absorption from the spinach.
Garnishes: Texture & Functional Fats
Toasted sesame seeds provide crunch, but they also deliver calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats that support hormone balance and skin health. Scallions offer a mild onion flavor and additional antioxidants. Chili oil, though optional, can stimulate digestion and circulation thanks to its capsaicin content—especially beneficial if you enjoy a little heat.
Overall, this dish is a beautiful example of plant-based wellness: nutrient-dense, full of fiber, and rich in natural umami flavors. It’s comforting without being heavy, and deeply nourishing for both body and soul. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you simply need a feel-good bowl that’s as healing as it is delicious.
