Golden Crispy Polenta Fries

Recipe Introduction

Fancy something a bit different from your usual chip? What about polenta fries ? Honestly, these are a game-changer. I bet these will soon be your favourite Polenta Recipes to make!

Quick Hook

Ever wondered if you could make chips from cornmeal? Well, now you can. Think golden, crispy, slightly sweet and totally addictive Polenta Fries .

These Crispy Polenta Fries are where it is at!

Brief Overview

Italian Fries Recipe , or Cornmeal Fries , as they're sometimes known, hail from Italy. They are the comforting taste of rustic fare.

This recipe is medium difficulty and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes, including chilling time.

It yields about 4 servings.

Main Benefits

These Baked Polenta Fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries. They also offer a good source of fiber. Serve these at your next barbecue, or as Polenta Bites Appetizers at a party.

I have a feeling that it's going to be a big hit, and that you'll be making them again and again!

One time, I made these for a friend who hates polenta. Honestly, he couldn’t stop eating them! The crispy texture completely transformed his opinion. You know? It made me so happy.

Now, let's move on to the ingredients you'll need to rustle these bad boys up! And if you fancy a cheeky twist, you can easily make it a Vegan Polenta Fries Recipe by skipping the parmesan.

Golden Crispy Polenta Fries Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (950ml) Water
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Salt, plus more to taste
• 1 cup (160g) Yellow Cornmeal (Polenta), coarse ground
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Olive Oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1/4 cup (60g) Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) Black Pepper, freshly ground
• Olive Oil, for baking or frying (amount depends on method)
• Salt, for seasoning after cooking

Instructions:

• Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in the polenta, ensuring no lumps form. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the polenta is thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 20-25 minutes).
• Stir in olive oil, Parmesan cheese (if using), and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Pour the polenta into a lightly oiled or parchment-lined baking dish. Spread evenly. Let cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, until firm.
• Once chilled, remove the polenta from the dish and cut into fry shapes (about ½ inch wide).
• Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss polenta fries with olive oil and salt. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
• Frying: Heat about 1 inch of olive oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the polenta fries in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• Sprinkle the cooked polenta fries with salt immediately after cooking. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:250 calories

Fat:12g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:Italian

Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for Polenta Fries !

Right, so you fancy making some polenta fries , eh? Good on ya! They're a bit of a game changer.

Forget your soggy chip shop fodder. This is classier, tastier, and honestly? A bit more fun to make. Let's run through what you'll need.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

First off, the stars of the show! Remember, decent ingredients, decent polenta fries .

• Water: 4 cups (950ml) . Tap water is totally fine.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml) , plus more to taste. Go for sea salt, it just adds a bit more oomph .
• Yellow Cornmeal (Polenta): 1 cup (160g) , coarse ground. Get a good quality one. It makes all the difference. Look for one that smells fresh and corny. Honestly, it is essential to making Crispy Polenta Fries .
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , plus more for drizzling. Extra virgin, always. You can use butter instead of olive oil for richer texture and taste.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): 1/4 cup (60g) , grated. Proper Parmesan, not that pre-grated dust.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) , freshly ground. Pre-ground pepper is just sad. These Polenta Bites Appetizers are a must-try!

Seasoning is Key, Mate!

Listen, seasoning is where you can really make these your own.

• Essential spice combinations: Salt and pepper are obvious, but don’t be afraid to chuck in some garlic powder or smoked paprika for a bit of a kick.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: A sprinkle of Italian herbs adds a lovely depth of flavour. I often use rosemary.
• Quick substitution options: Don't have parmesan? A hard cheddar would also work. Or leave it out for Vegan Polenta Fries Recipe !

Gear You'll Actually Use

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make these Polenta Recipes , trust me.

• Large saucepan: For cooking the polenta.
• Whisk: To avoid lumps. Nobody likes lumpy polenta.
• 8x8 inch baking dish: Or something similar to chill the polenta.
• Parchment paper: Optional, but it makes life easier.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter: For cutting the fries.
• Baking sheet or deep-fryer/large skillet: Depending on if you are baking or frying the Italian Fries Recipe .
• Slotted spoon or spatula: For removing the cornmeal fries from the oil.

There you have it! Everything you need to get started on your baked polenta fries adventure. Now, let's get cooking!

Golden & Crispy Polenta Fries: A Right Proper Treat!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good chip? But sometimes, you fancy something a bit different, you know? That’s where these crispy polenta fries come in.

They are like a posh, Italian version of chips, perfect as a side or a cheeky appetizer. Forget soggy chips – these are golden, crispy, and ready to be devoured!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: the mise en place . It’s a fancy way of saying "get everything ready"! Get your 4 cups (950ml) of water , 1 teaspoon (5ml) of salt , 1 cup (160g) of polenta , 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil , parmesan, and seasoning measured.

Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes life easier, trust me. This way cleaning up will be easier.

A tip for the time-starved: make the polenta a day ahead. Just chill it, and you're golden. Just don't forget to chill it, or it will be difficult to manage.

Step-by-Step to Polenta Fry Perfection

1. Boil and Whisk: Get 4 cups (950ml) of water boiling with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of salt . Whisk in 1 cup (160g) of polenta slowly.
2. Simmer, Stir, Sizzle: Turn the heat low. Cook for 20- 25 minutes , stirring often. You want it thick.
3. Flavor Bomb: Stir in 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil , Parmesan (if using), and pepper. Season to taste.
4. Chill Out: Pour into an oiled dish. Chill for at least 1 hour .
5. Fry Time (Or Bake!) : Heat oven to 400° F ( 200° C) or oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Slice into fries. Bake for 20- 30 minutes , or fry until golden.
6. Salt Bae Moment: Season straight away with salt when they are out of the oven.

Pro Tips: Secrets to the Best Polenta Fries Recipe

Don’t overcrowd the pan! Honestly, it's the biggest mistake. Do it in batches. Also, for truly crispy polenta fries , make sure your oven or oil is hot enough.

Undercooked cornmeal fries are just sad. Consider these like Italian Fries Recipe.

Want to get ahead? Make the polenta a day before! Then just chop and cook when you're ready. And don't be afraid to add a pinch of garlic powder to the polenta recipes , these polenta bites appetizers are like an extra tasty snack.

A vegan polenta fries recipe is easily done by skipping the parmesan cheese.

Recipe Notes for Cracking Polenta Fries

Right, so you’re buzzing to make these Crispy Polenta Fries . Before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to guarantee they turn out smashing.

Think of these as my little pearls of wisdom, gleaned from making, and occasionally messing up, this recipe a fair few times.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating Game On!

Honestly, presentation is half the battle. For a posh dinner party, arrange your Baked Polenta Fries neatly on a platter with a ramekin of homemade aioli.

If you’re just chilling on the sofa with a movie, pile them high in a bowl with a generous dollop of ketchup.

They are quite tasty as Polenta Bites Appetizers , really.

Fancy something a bit different? Serve them with a side of grilled halloumi or a vibrant, peppery rocket salad. A crisp Italian white wine goes down a treat too.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your Italian Fries Recipe Fresh

Right, let's talk storage. If you've got leftovers, which is unlikely because everyone always eats them all, let them cool completely.

Then pop them in an airtight container and shove them in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3 days .

Freezing cooked polenta fries isn't the best idea, as they can go a bit soggy, but if you must, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a bag.

To reheat, whack them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until they’re warmed through and crispy again.

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Fancy a twist? Go spicy! Chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce when you're cooking the polenta.

For my vegan chums, simply skip the parmesan – these Vegan Polenta Fries Recipe are still bloomin’ delicious. You can also try Cornmeal Fries for different texture.

In the winter, swap out the standard olive oil for truffle oil for a touch of luxury. You know?

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Each serving is around 250 calories. They’re a decent source of carbohydrates for energy, and a bit of fiber too.

If you keep the cheese minimal, you can reduce the fat content a bit. Also, I suggest baking the polenta fries instead of frying, it can reduce the fat greatly.

So there you have it! A few extra nuggets of wisdom to help you on your polenta journey. Don't be scared to experiment, get creative, and most importantly, have fun.

You'll be whipping up the best polenta side dish recipes for the whole family in no time. Enjoy!