Polenta Vs. Nachos

One of our families favorite super fattening comfort foods is Nachos. We don't just like cheese and chips, we have to have it all, and I mean all. Cheese, sour cream, chicken (or other type of meat), avocado, salsa, rice, beans, you name it we like it on our nachos....yummmmm...
This got me thinking about healthy alternatives to nachos, and after a few ideas I came up with something 1/3 of the calories and with 3 servings of vegetables...

Chicken and Vegetable Polenta!

• Fresh diced tomatoes(1 cup)
• green chili (1 small can)
  
• Frozen corn (2 cups)
• fresh diced celery (1 cup)
• Fresh diced peppers (2 cups and any kind)
  
• Skinless Chicken boiled and cubed (3 cups)
  
• Red, pinto or black beans (1 can)
• Red Pepper (to taste)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 tablespoon Cumin,
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 pinch ground cloves
  
• Cornmeal 1-3/4 cup
• 1/2 teaspoon real unsalted butter
  
• Chredded Cheddar Cheese 1oz
• Shredded pepper jack 1 oz

Step 1. Prepare the polenta, it's pretty easy, Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a heavy large saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the butter, and stir until melted.

Step 2. In a pan mix corn, tomatoes, beans, chilies, celery, pepers, and chicken(remember the chicken should be skinless, boiled, and cubed/sliced) after the mixture has simmered for about 8-10mins on medium/ low heat, add all of the remaining seasoning.

Step 3. In a deep oven safe pot or casserole dish add the vegetable, chicken and bean mix. Then place the polenta on top. Top the polenta with the shredded cheeses and let it back on 350F for 8 mins or the cheese is melted

I served mine with my homemade corn tortillas and a small spoonful of my mock sour cream (plain yogurt with a little lime juice and a pinch of salt.)

POLENTA VS. NACHOS
BREAKDOWN

TIE:
My family loved the polenta though Nachos still hold a special place in our hearts but it's defiantly a new family favorite, and it's defiantly healthier.