READY IN 35 mins

Vegan Arepas Made with Polenta

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Read Reviews (15)

"Based on a vegetarian arepa I found in SoCal, this dish combines surprising flavors and textures for an easy meal." — angloesque

Directions

Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Grease a baking sheet.
Slice the tofu and polenta into slabs of equal thickness; brush with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
Cook the tofu and polenta under the preheated broiler until the tops are crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bananas in the oil until crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside, about 5 minutes. Remove the bananas from the oil and set aside.
Pour the entire can of black beans into a blender and blend until a thick sauce forms.
Stir the mango, diced onion, jalapeno pepper, and salt together in a small bowl.
To build the arepas, place a slice of polenta on each of four plates and top each with first about 1/4 of the bean sauce, then a piece of tofu, a few slices of banana, some avocado, and finishing with about 1/4 of the mango salsa.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 20 mins
COOK 15 mins
READY IN 35 mins

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

May 13, 2011

What a delightful surprise! We are a family of gluten intolerants and we are always on a search for tasty and healthful meals! We were very pleased with this original and intriguing repast! Thank you for sharing! (we do cook our own dried beans (rather than canned) and always have them 'on the ready'!) Excellent!

—Mama Marilyn

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Dec 01, 2011

This is an outstanding recipe! I wasn't sure how all of the different flavors would come together (mango and tofu?) but both my husband and I loved it. My husband added about 1/2 teaspoon cumin, a dash of sesame oil and a dash of soy sauce to the beans, which was really good. This is something we'll serve often because it's simple and a unique dish to serve to guests.

—jcourter

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19 Ratings

Jun 04, 2011

I made this without the tofu or salt. The fruit in this arepa takes some getting used to, but is tasty! Next time for more color, I will use a red onion! Thanks for the recipe!

—sueb

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Aug 27, 2011

Hubby and I LOVED this! It was also quite possibly the prettiest thing I've ever made. I cut up the avocado and mixed it in with the mango salsa which kept it from turning brown. We really enjoyed the mix of savory (in the beans) and the sweetness of the banana and mango. It made great leftovers and the salsa was 10 times better the next day.

—pgivens83

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Feb 14, 2013

I really liked this recipe! I kind of just threw it all together and next time I won't add the tofu - I didn't think it really needed it since it already had so much texture and flavor. Thanks for the recipe!

—NICKELFISH27

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Jul 26, 2011

I'm so glad that I made these. The flavor combinations were so unique with each bite and the textures were fantastic. I sprinkled McCormick Jerk Seasoning on the tofu and used spiced basil polenta. Surprisingly filling, I'll make these again for sure!

—SULLIVAN810

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Jun 08, 2011

I was skeptical of how these unique flavors would mesh, but everything complements everything else quite nicely! I made fresh polenta, which needed a few more minutes under the broiler. I had never broiled polenta before and the crispiness was fantastic! Makes for an interesting dish to serve skeptical crowds!

—PinkBadgers

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Feb 06, 2012

This was pretty darn yummy! I used blueberries in place of the mango. The only reason this isn't 5 stars is because the tofu itself was a bit bland. Next time I will marinate it for an hour before broiling. Not sure what flavors I'll try for the marinade, something mild but definitely with garlic. Otherwise delish!

—NDG1974

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Nutrition

Calories
563 kcal
28%

Carbohydrates
64 g
21%

Cholesterol
0 mg
0%

Fat
31.5 g
48%

Fiber
15.3 g
61%

Protein
13.6 g
27%

Sodium
688 mg
28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Vegan Arepas Made with Polenta

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 563
Calories from Fat: 284

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 31.5g 48 %
Saturated Fat 4.6g 23 %
Cholesterol 0mg 0 %
Sodium 688mg 28 %
** Potassium 1093mg 31 %
Total Carbohydrates 64g 21 %
Dietary Fiber 15.3g 61 %
Protein 13.6g 27 %
** Sugars 21.1g
** Vitamin A 17 %
** Vitamin C 67 %
** Calcium 30 %
** Iron 51 %
** Thiamin 32 %
** Niacin 43 %
** Vitamin B6 42 %
** Magnesium 33 %
** Folate 85 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.