Vegan Arepas Made with Polenta

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

Step: 1

Preheat the oven’s broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Grease a baking sheet.

Step: 2

Slice the tofu and polenta into slabs of equal thickness; brush with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.

Step: 3

Cook the tofu and polenta under the preheated broiler until the tops are crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

Step: 4

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.

Step: 5

Pour the entire can of black beans into a blender and blend until a thick sauce forms.

Step: 6

Stir the mango, diced onion, jalapeno pepper, and salt together in a small bowl.

Step: 7

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.

Per Serving: 563 calories; protein 13.6g; carbohydrates 64g; fat 31.5g; sodium 591.4mg.