Polenta (Cornmeal) Chips ๐ฝ๐ง
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (not including overnight cooling)
- Servings: Varies (approximately 6 servings)
- Cuisine: Australian
- Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Cheese, Vegetable, Savory, Kid Friendly, Deep Fried, Stove Top, Inexpensive
- Chef Inspiration: Iain Hewitson of Tolarno’s, Melbourne
Description:
Iain Hewitson, the beloved Australian chef, graces us with his delightful creation served at Tolarno’s in Melbourne: Polenta (Cornmeal) Chips. These savory treats are a perfect appetizer or side dish, especially delightful when paired with a tangy sweet chilli sauce. The recipe boasts flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and the satisfying crunch of deep-fried goodness. Prep ahead for ease, and indulge in the crispy satisfaction of these chips.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1/2 cup | Polenta (Cornmeal) |
| 250 ml | Cold Water |
| 4 cups | Chicken Stock |
| Pinch | Salt |
| 100g | Parmesan Cheese, grated |
| 1 | Egg |
| 2 tbsp | Milk |
| 1/2 cup | All-Purpose Flour |
| 1/2 cup | Breadcrumbs |
| – | Oil for deep frying |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Garlic Stock:
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-
-
Cook Polenta:
- Combine polenta and 2 cups of cold water in a bowl, stirring until well mixed.
- In a large pot, bring the remaining 2 cups of cold water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the polenta mixture to the boiling water, stirring vigorously.
- Reduce heat to low and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low heat, or until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pot.
-
Flavor Infusion:
- Finely chop the previously cooked garlic.
- Add the chopped garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the cooked polenta, stirring until well combined.
-
Form and Cool:
- Grease a baking tray with oil and spread the polenta mixture evenly, about 1/2 centimeter thick.
- Allow the mixture to cool overnight, ensuring it sets properly.
-
Prepare Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Place the flour and breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
-
Coat and Crumb:
- Cut the cooled polenta mixture into chip-sized pieces.
- Dust each chip in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, coat the chips evenly with breadcrumbs, repeating this process for all chips.
-
Fry to Perfection:
- Heat oil in a large pot or deep fryer until it reaches a suitable frying temperature.
- Carefully add the coated polenta chips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry until the chips are golden brown and crispy, typically around 3-4 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the chips from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once all chips are fried to perfection, arrange them on a serving platter.
- Optionally, sprinkle with a bit of extra Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt.
- Serve hot, perhaps with a side of sweet chilli sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
- For an extra kick of flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the polenta mixture.
- To make the chips ahead of time, you can freeze them after crumbing. Simply fry from frozen when ready to serve.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- These chips are versatile and can be served alongside various dishes or as a standalone snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 2305 kcal
- Fat: 228g
- Saturated Fat: 32.6g
- Cholesterol: 88.6mg
- Sodium: 466.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 55.7g
- Fiber: 4.2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 16.6g
Chef’s Note:
Chef Iain Hewitson’s Polenta (Cornmeal) Chips are a delightful blend of crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. These chips are a testament to the simplicity and versatility of polenta, transformed into a snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them up as a party appetizer or enjoying them as a savory snack, these chips are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, get frying, and savor the deliciousness of these homemade treats! ๐ฝ๐ง
