Goat Cheese Polenta with Roasted Ratatouille
	
		Goat Cheese Polenta with Roasted Ratatouille is a creamy, comforting vegetarian dish that combines tangy goat cheese-infused polenta with a rich medley of oven-roasted Mediterranean vegetables. Perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings, this recipe balances vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients to deliver a luscious, satisfying meal.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Judy
 
							- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 40 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 55 minutes
 
							- Yield: 4 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Appetizers
 
							- Method: Baking
 
							- Cuisine: Mediterranean
 
							- Diet: Gluten Free
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			Polenta Base
- 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
 
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
 
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese, crumbled
 
- Salt, to taste
 
- Black pepper, to taste
 
Roasted Ratatouille Vegetables
- 1 medium eggplant, chopped into bite-sized pieces
 
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped into bite-sized pieces
 
- 1 medium yellow squash, chopped into bite-sized pieces
 
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
 
- 1 medium onion, chopped
 
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
 
- 3 tbsp olive oil
 
- 2 tsp fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or rosemary), chopped
 
- Salt, to taste
 
- Black pepper, to taste
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Prepare the Roasted Ratatouille: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, onion, and garlic into bite-sized pieces. Toss all the vegetables with olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
 
- Cook Creamy Polenta: While the ratatouille roasts, bring vegetable broth or water to a simmer in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in the polenta, reduce heat to low, and stir constantly for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled goat cheese until fully melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
 
- Combine and Season: Spoon the creamy goat cheese polenta onto plates and top with a generous serving of roasted ratatouille. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and fresh herbs as desired for a perfect balance.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Use fresh coarse polenta for a richer, smoother texture—instant polenta can be used in a pinch.
 
- Stir polenta continuously during cooking to prevent lumps and burning.
 
- Cut vegetables evenly and space them well on the baking sheet for even roasting.
 
- Incorporate fresh thyme or basil into ratatouille to brighten the flavors.
 
- Allow polenta to rest off heat for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 serving
 
							- Calories: 320 kcal
 
							- Sugar: 6 g
 
							- Sodium: 350 mg
 
							- Fat: 12 g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 5 g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0 g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 40 g
 
							- Fiber: 6 g
 
							- Protein: 10 g
 
							- Cholesterol: 20 mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: goat cheese polenta, roasted ratatouille, vegetarian dish, Mediterranean flavors, creamy polenta, roasted vegetables