This works as a vegetarian main course

Don't know what you'd call this .... polenta-dilla? It's polenta, refried beans, salsa, and cheese layered in a pie pan. You could use a 9x9 square dish if you prefer.

First, the polenta layer -- Bring 3 cups water to a boil, add 1 teaspoon each salt and olive oil. Slowly add, while stirring, 1 cup dry polenta. Turn down heat to a simmer, and stir continuously for 10-15 minutes. It's a surprisingly long time. Better have some music on to keep you company. stir stir stir. don't stop! I use a wire whisk, but you could use a spoon.

The polenta will be fairly thick -- pour it into an oiled pan (pie or square), spread it out evenly and smooth the top. Pop it into a 350 oven for 15 minutes.

Next is the refried beans. Now, I prefer the low fat, or fat-free, but you could use the fully loaded ones. I put a full 15 or 16 oz can into a cuisinart and add about 2 to 4 tablespoons of water -- just enough to allow me to make it into a slightly thinner puree in the cuisinart. This helps me to spread it on top of the polenta. At the end of 15 minutes, pull out the polenta, and carefully pour the beans on top, and spread them out as evenly as possible without terrifically disturbing the polenta. Put this back in the oven for another 15 minutes.

Finally, take it out, and pour about 1/2 cup of salsa over the top, spread it around so it's more or less even, and top with grated cheese more-or-less evenly over the top. Put this all back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, till the cheese melts.

Take it out, and do your best to cut it up -- it's still pretty mushy, but it's very tasty! You can top with any of the following: sour cream (or plain yogurt), cut up scallions, cilantro, parsley, minced onion, or whatever you want.

Serve with steamed veggies - I did broccoli last night. Yum!