In the Kitchen: Roasted Cauliflower & Goat Cheese Polenta

  

This was one of the meals that came together during our first week in the new place, and I was still waiting for all of my kitchen supplies to arrive.  All we had with us was a very small pot and a roasting pan that the past tenant had left behind... honestly, sometimes the yummiest things come from just having to make do! 

Turns out it's one of my favorite dishes to make at home because it ends up being quite a bit of food for only 330 Calories and it is SO delish!  The crispy spiced cauliflower adds such a great flavor to the cheesy polenta, and the way the fresh spinach wilts underneath it all is total perfection.

The Goods:
+ 1 medium-sized head cauliflower
+ 1/4 of an onion
+ 1 tsp tumeric
+ 1/2 tsp paprika
+ 1/2 tsp garlic powder
+ 2 tsp olive oil
+ Several handfuls of fresh spinach or other mixed greens
+ 1 tomato
+ 1/2 cup of corn meal
+ 2 oz. goat cheese

• Cut the cauliflower and onion into bite sized chunks, and add to roasting pan with the tumeric*, paprika, garlic powder & olive oil drizzled on top.  Toss and roast in the oven at 400 degrees for approximately 30 minutes, shaking the pan every ten.
• Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil and add corn meal in a slow, steady stream while stirring (to keep from clumping).  Reduce heat to a simmer and add a teaspoon of black pepper (we like ours spicy!) and stir frequently until it reaches the consistency you like (approximately 20 mins). **  At the last minute, add the goat cheese and mix it in until melted.
• Divide the spinach leaves between two plates, top with hot polenta and cauliflower and serve with the tomato wedges on the side!  We also like lots of Cholula (or any kind of hot sauce) on top!

* I made this dish again using cumin, and didn't like it nearly as much as the first time (pictured).  Stick with the tumeric.
* You may need to add water along the way to keep it from finishing way before the cauliflower. I usually keep some warm water in a measuring cup nearby just in case.

Feel free to let me know in the comments if you have any questions, and I hope you enjoy this easy, healthy meal!