Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown French fry – but this isn't your ordinary potato side dish. These mind-blowing polenta fries are about to revolutionize your snacking game! Gluten-free, incredibly crunchy, and packed with flavor, these Italian-inspired treats will have you ditching traditional fries forever. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping appetizer or a unique side dish that will impress your friends and family, these polenta fries are your ultimate culinary secret weapon.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently.
- Cook the polenta for approximately 20-25 minutes, until it becomes thick and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast. Season with black pepper to taste.
- Immediately pour the hot polenta into a rectangular baking dish lined with parchment paper, spreading it evenly to create a smooth, flat surface about 1/2 inch thick.
- Refrigerate the polenta for at least 2 hours, or until completely firm and set.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the chilled polenta into long, french fry-shaped strips approximately 1/2 inch wide and 4 inches long.
- Arrange the polenta fries on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Brush or spray the fries lightly with additional olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips
- Patience is key when cooking polenta - constant stirring prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture.
- Chilling the polenta is crucial for getting those crisp, firm fries. Don't rush this step - at least 2 hours of refrigeration is essential.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- For extra crispiness, make sure the polenta fries are not touching each other on the baking sheet.
- Experiment with seasonings - try adding garlic powder, herbs, or parmesan cheese to the polenta mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately after baking for maximum crunchiness.
- These fries pair perfectly with marinara sauce, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
