Vata-balancing  |  Vegan & gluten-free

Soft Polenta with Roasted Spring Vegetables and Walnuts

Understanding Vata Dosha

Vata is associated with air and ether elements, making it light, dry, and cool in nature. When out of balance, it can cause restlessness, anxiety, and digestive discomfort. To counteract this, Vata needs grounding, warming, and nourishing foods. This polenta dish, rich in slow-digesting carbohydrates and healthy fats, is a perfect choice to bring stability and warmth to Vata types.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavour)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 courgette, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small aubergine, cubed
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Toss the courgette, bell pepper, and aubergine with extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and rosemary. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway.
  4. In a pot, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta and reduce heat to low.
  5. Stir continuously for 10-15 minutes until the polenta thickens. Add nutritional yeast, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  6. Serve the polenta warm, topped with the roasted vegetables, walnuts, and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Why This Recipe Works for Vata

This dish provides warmth and grounding with creamy polenta, healthy fats from walnuts, and nourishing roasted vegetables. The slow-cooked nature of polenta soothes Vata’s delicate digestion, while rosemary and lemon zest add a touch of brightness. It’s a balanced, wholesome meal that calms and stabilises Vata energy.

This dish reminds me of my nonna, who used to make a similar version of this all the time. It was always a comforting meal, especially on colder days when the weather felt a little too harsh. The creamy polenta, roasted vegetables, and walnuts would bring the whole family together at the table, sharing warmth and stories. It’s a beautiful memory I carry with me and one that continues to nourish me, just as it did back then.