Helping Hands in the Kitchen: Creamy Breakfast Polenta with Strawberries

Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $5.25
Cost Per Serving: $1.31

Equipment:

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Medium pot with lid
• Whisk (or fork)
• Spoon

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups whole milk or non-dairy milk
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup polenta (or grits)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp walnuts (or other nuts of choice), chopped

Directions:

1. Boil Liquid: In a medium pot, bring water, milk, and salt to a boil.
2. Add Polenta: Add the polenta, whisking quickly to break up all lumps.
3. Cook: Reduce heat to low. Continue to whisk while the mixture thickens, scraping the bottom and sides to avoid sticking or burning.
4. Simmer: Continue whisking for 5-10 minutes or until the polenta has a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside.
5. Prepare Strawberries: While the polenta is cooking, quarter the strawberries and set aside.
6. Check Polenta: Stir the polenta. The texture should be thicker, similar to oatmeal.
7. Add Flavor: Once the polenta reaches the desired consistency, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Taste and season with salt as needed.
8. Serve: Spoon 1/4 of the polenta into a bowl. Top with the quartered strawberries and 1 tbsp of chopped walnuts. Enjoy!

Health Benefits:

• Strawberries: A great source of Vitamin C and manganese, strawberries are high in antioxidants that benefit heart health and help control blood sugar. The fiber in strawberries also improves the digestive system.
• Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid, walnuts are a great plant source of these nutrients, which can help lower the risk of heart disease. Polyphenols and other plant compounds in walnuts also help reduce inflammation.