Prepare grits according to the directions. Alice used old-fashioned grits, so if you choose to use quick-cooking grits, be sure to reduce the cooking time!
Wash all produce. Mince onions and cut grape tomatoes in half lengthwise. 
Prepare grits. Heat oil in a medium cast-iron pan or sautee pan. Add onions and basil and cook until slightly brown. Next, add tomatoes, garlic, and navy beans, and saute for a minute.
Add a splash of water and then the spinach. Cover for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
When the grits have finished cooking, stir in nutritional yeast and olive oil to taste.
Top with spinach mixture, add chili flakes, then salt and pepper to taste.
Vegan Savory Italian Styled Grits
Vegan Savory Italian Styled Grits
Ingredients
Grits
- 1/2 cup old fashioned grits
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
Italian Toppings
- 3 cups fresh spinach (washed)
- 1.5 cups grape tomatoes cut in half lengthwise
- 15 oz can navy beans rinsed and drained
- 1 small onion minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves chopped garlic
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil and whisk in grits, lower temp to simmer and leave uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so grits don't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- When you have about 8 minutes left on the timer begin your toppings. In a medium cast-iron or sautee pan, warm up 2 tbsp of olive oil on medium-low heat.
- Add the onions and basil and saute for 3 to 5 minutes, until they start to brown.
- Add garlic, tomatoes, navy beans, and sautee for a minute mixing ingredients.
- Put a lid on top for about a minute to get a little moisture, or you can add a splash of water and then throw in the spinach.
- Cover to steam for about 1 to 2 minutes until wilted and remove from heat.
- When grits are done cooking remove from heat. Stir in olive oil and nutritional yeast until dispersed evenly.
- Add toppings and enjoy!
And because everything is better with a dog photo, here’s Alice’s dog, Franny. She’s the best!
Follow Alice G Patterson on Instagram.
My sister in law is a vegan and I know she’s always looking for new recipes. She’ll love this.
I have fresh spinach growing in my garden so this will be the perfect way to use it. I have fresh basil too so I plan to substitute that for the dried. Yum!
I am vegan too and do not miss all the eggs and cheese. This is a dish I would never have thought to make but will try soon.
Oh my goodness! I LOVE grits. This looks like a delicious and nutritious recipe that I need to try out NOW! Thanks for sharing.
Shocker, I’ve never had grits! But this looks delicious. I like a lot of vegan alternatives like this. Meat doesn’t always sit right with me sometimes.
I pinned this just now. I am planning on making it this week! I have never used grits at home, but I imagine it will be similar to quinoa
Oh yes please, this looks so good. I haven’t had grits in ages, so I’ll have to make this.
Can you even believe that I’ve never had grits before? I’m super interested in trying this version because it sounds so much lighter and healthier than the typical ways of eating this more southern dish. Thanks for sharing!
Love the combination of flavors. Looking forward to trying this recipe.
Ok, not going to lie this had grits in the title and I was turned off at first. But, after looking at your recipe and beautiful pictures it looks amazing!
I’ve never eaten grits. In fact, the only reason I’ve heard of them is from The Secret Life of Bees where the father punishes his daughter by making her kneel on them for a long time (ouch!) – but I will admit, this DOES look like a very nice meal! We actually have a lot of similar meals with spinach, garlic, tomatoes, and beans
Yum! This Vegan Savory Italian Grits Recipe is making my tummy growl. I feel so hungry right now!
I will try and copy this recipe. I just hope I can get the right taste and flavor.
Love all the fresh ingredients in this dish! Making this for meatless Monday next week.
Oh my goodness! What a delicious dinner idea for tonight. I love it!
Yum! Healthy dishes like this never fail to make me drool. I’m going to try your recipe soon.
One word “YUM”! This looks amazing and right down my alley. Definitely going to try to make it.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had grits before. This recipe sure does look amazing. I’m going to have to try it out.
Now this looks like a delicious side dish! I love cooking with grits.
I am not actually vegan but I try to eat vegan meals 2-3 times a week. This looks so so good!
Love seeing that so many of your readers are vegan or know someone who is! These are some of my favorite go to ingredients, and just love them combined with the old fashioned grits! Hope everyone enjoys it!
Grits are the ultimate comfort food. I love this vegan Italian version.
Tis looks so amazing! I haven’t made grits before, but this is certainly a great recipe to try. These flavors look amazing!
My husband could eat this type of meal every day! We love Italian food, especially the vegan version! YUM!
Looks delicious this vegan savory italian grits. I like the addition of veggies great filling dish. yum.
I need to see if I can get Grits over here in New Zealand. This sounds such a delicious recipe. Whoever said vegan isn’t delicious hasn’t see this!
I’ve never had grits, but this looks delicious! Might have to try them.
I have never had grits before but this recipe looks delicious. Plus spinach and tomatoes are one of my favorite conbinations. We are growing tomatoes in the garden currently. I can’t wait to try this recipe with our fresh tomatoes.
Thanks to you and your sister for sharing this.