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Polenta fries

polenta fries

Polenta fries, the crunchy and healthy snack you can make at home. Discover how to prepare irresistibly golden fries!
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 162
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup instant polenta use cornmeal for quick cooking
  • 3 cup water filtered
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra for brushing
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder optional for flavor
  • 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, optional
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs chopped, such as rosemary or oregano (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a saucepan, bring the water and salt to a gentle boil. Stir in the polenta gradually, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  3. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, for about 5 minutes or until thickened and pulling away from the sides.
  4. Remove from heat. Add olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast (if using). Mix well.
  5. Pour the hot polenta into a greased baking dish and spread into a smooth layer about 1.5 cm (½ inch) thick. Let cool for at least 20 minutes until set and firm.
  6. Cut the firm polenta into fry-shaped sticks using a sharp knife.
  7. Arrange the polenta fries on the baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy on the edges.
  9. Serve hot, with your favorite dip.

Notes

Polenta fries are a delightful twist on traditional fries, beloved for their versatility and irresistible crunch. They’re perfect as a snack, a side for grilled dishes, or even as a party appetizer. If you’ve never tried them, you’ll love the naturally golden color and satisfying texture—crisp outside, tender inside.

Practical Tips & Ingredient Swaps

  • For extra crispiness, let the cooked polenta cool completely before cutting it into fries. A few extra minutes in the fridge makes them even easier to handle and crispier when baked.
  • If you don’t have nutritional yeast, try grated Parmesan for a savory boost, or skip it for a classic flavor.
  • You can replace olive oil with melted butter for more richness, or use a splash of garlic-infused oil for aroma.
  • Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano add a fragrant touch—mix them directly into the polenta or sprinkle on top before baking.

Preparation & Serving Suggestions

  • Spread the polenta in a baking dish lined with plastic wrap or lightly greased; this makes unmolding and slicing much simpler.
  • For a uniform shape, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, and dip the blade in water between cuts to prevent sticking.
  • If you prefer deep frying, polenta fries become even crispier—just be gentle when moving them to hot oil, as they can be delicate.
  • Pair your fries with marinara sauce, aioli, or spicy mayo for dipping.
  • Transform them into a main by topping with sautéed mushrooms, cheese, or even a poached egg for a heartier dish.
Don’t hesitate to get creative—try adding chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for a bold flavor. Polenta fries are endlessly adaptable to your taste and pantry!