Tomato Basil Grits Bowl

Tomato Basil Grits Bowl is a practical, plant-forward breakfast without butter, dairy cream, cheese, meat, eggs, or added oil. It uses fruit, vegetables, beans, seeds, herbs, and spices to build flavor around stone-ground grits.

Tomato Basil Grits Bowl — Recipe at a glance

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 20 minutes
• Total: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

½×1×2×3×4×5×6×7×8×9×10×

ⓘ Original recipe (1×) yields 4 servings

• 1 cup stone-ground grits (coarse)
• 4 cups water or no-salt-added vegetable broth
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 10–12 oz)
• 1 cup baby spinach, packed
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (packed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Black pepper, to taste

Heart-health recipe tip

Water-sauté the tomatoes and garlic, then use basil and balsamic vinegar for flavor instead of butter or cheese. Heart-health rating: 5 of 5 hearts, because this bowl contains no meat, dairy, eggs, or added oil.

Instructions

1. First, bring 4 cups water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Next, slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits. Reduce heat to low and simmer according to the package directions, usually 15–20 minutes, stirring often to prevent lumps.
3. Meanwhile, heat a nonstick skillet over medium. Add 2 tablespoons water and the minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and 2 tablespoons water. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release juices.
5. Then stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and black pepper.
6. Finally, divide the cooked grits among four bowls. Spoon the tomato-spinach mixture over each bowl and finish with chopped fresh basil.

Why this recipe works

Tomatoes, spinach, and basil add bright, fresh flavor and color. Meanwhile, stone-ground grits provide a hearty whole-grain base that soaks up the tomato juices. Because the recipe uses water-sautéing and vinegar, it delivers rich taste without added oil, butter, or cheese.

Variations and substitutions

• Adjust grits thickness with additional hot water or unsweetened plant milk, if desired.
• Use fresh or frozen produce according to season; frozen cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes work fine.
• For more fiber and plant protein, stir in 1 cup cooked no-salt-added canned garbanzo beans or white beans at the end.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, add 1/4 cup unsweetened plant milk while finishing the grits.
• If you choose to add cheese or eggs, note these change the heart-health rating; instead, use mashed white beans or crumbled firm tofu for a plant-forward protein.

Save Time

• Measure the ingredients and prepare the produce before cooking so the recipe comes together without pauses.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, microwave covered for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. Add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon after reheating for brightness.

Nutrition Facts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Estimated per serving: About 190 calories, 5 g protein, 40 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 1 g fat, and 45 mg sodium. Values vary by brand and substitutions. Generally, this bowl provides whole-grain carbohydrate and vegetable-based fiber for a filling breakfast or brunch.

Tips and practical notes

• For quicker cooking, use quick-cooking grits and reduce simmer time, however stone-ground gives better texture.
• For extra protein without animal products, add cooked no-salt-added canned garbanzo beans. Rinse well before using.
• Store leftover tomato mixture separately from grits when possible, because this preserves texture.

More grits recipes

1. Creamy Plant-Based Grits with Greens
2. Mushroom Spinach Grits
3. Black Bean Corn Grits Breakfast Bowl
4. Roasted Red Pepper Grits with White Beans

Explore the heart-conscious breakfast grain series

• Oatmeal and Heart Health
• Farina and Heart Health
• Grits and Heart Health
• 10 Things That Make a Breakfast Heart-Healthy

For more plant-forward recipes and practical tips, visit The Nutrient homepage.

↑ Back to top