Baked Polenta Fries Recipe: A Healthy, Crispy Delight
Polenta, a versatile and comforting dish made from cornmeal (or corn rava), is a great way to reinvent the classic fries. Baked Polenta Fries offer a healthy alternative to the traditional deep-fried options. This dish combines the creamy goodness of polenta, which is gently simmered with water and milk, and seasoned with aromatic mixed herbs and a touch of butter. The mixture is then chilled and sliced into fries, ready to be baked to golden perfection. Ideal as an appetizer or a side dish, these fries have a crisp exterior and a tender interior, perfect for pairing with your favorite sauces or as part of a continental meal.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Polenta | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1-1/2 cups |
| Milk | 1-1/2 cups |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 70mg |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Polenta:
Begin by heating a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the water and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, gradually stir in the polenta, ensuring it is evenly combined with the liquid. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and the water evaporates, which will take about 10 minutes. The polenta should be soft, smooth, and fully cooked through. -
Season the Polenta:
Once the polenta is cooked, stir in the salted butter and dried mixed herbs. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the herbs and butter into the polenta. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool slightly. -
Chill the Polenta:
Grease a small 4×4-inch baking tray with a little olive oil or butter. Pour the cooked polenta into the tray, smoothing it into an even layer about 1/2 inch thick. Cover the tray with cling film or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about an hour, allowing the polenta to chill and firm up. -
Slice and Bake the Fries:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Remove the chilled polenta from the freezer and slice it into fries or strips of your desired size. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Arrange the polenta strips on the baking sheet in a single layer. -
Bake to Golden Perfection:
Brush the tops of the polenta fries with a light coating of extra virgin olive oil to help them crisp up during baking. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the edges. -
Serve:
Once baked, remove the fries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. You can add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or red chili flakes to enhance the flavor. Serve your Baked Polenta Fries hot as a delicious appetizer or alongside a continental meal like Roasted Vegetable Lasagna and Sweet Potato & Green Bean Salad.
Tips for Extra Flavor:
- Add some grated parmesan or nutritional yeast to the polenta before baking for an extra cheesy flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or paprika into the mixture before baking.
- These fries can be enjoyed with a variety of dips, from tangy tomato ketchup to creamy aioli or even a zesty yogurt sauce.
This simple yet satisfying Baked Polenta Fries recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fries without compromising on flavor or texture. Perfect for any occasion, these fries will have everyone asking for more!
