Polenta fries are a delightful twist on the classic fry, offering a crispy exterior with a creamy, soft interior. Paired with a savory dipping sauce, they make for an irresistible snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup instant polenta
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of instant polenta, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook while stirring for about 5 minutes, until thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in olive oil, butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the polenta onto a greased baking sheet and spread it to about a 1/2-inch thickness. Let it cool and set for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Once set, cut the polenta into fry-shaped strips.
- Place the all-purpose flour on a plate and lightly coat each polenta fry with flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the polenta fries in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- For the dipping sauce, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the polenta fries with the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
Make sure the polenta is fully set before cutting into fries to ensure they hold their shape during frying. Adjust the dipping sauce ingredients according to your taste preference.