Croatian Creamy Chickpea & Mushroom Stew with Herb-Roasted Polenta
Prep 15 min · Cook 25 min · Serves 1 · medium

A warming Adriatic-inspired stew featuring tender chickpeas and earthy mushrooms in a savory tomato-based broth, served alongside crispy herb-roasted polenta squares for a satisfying dinner with Mediterranean soul.
Ingredients
- 0.75 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1.5 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 0.75 cup diced tomatoes, canned, no sugar added
- 1 cup vegetable broth, low sodium
- 0.33 cup polenta, dry cornmeal
- 1 cup water, for cooking polenta
- 0.5 medium red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp dried rosemary
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.25 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, optional
Instructions
- 1
Bring 1 cup water to boil in a small saucepan. Whisk in polenta slowly to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and stir frequently for 15-20 minutes until creamy and thick. Season with salt, pepper, and half the thyme. Keep warm.
- 2
While polenta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced red onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.


