Skip to main content

Polenta Fries

Polenta fries baked with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning served with ketchup on the side.

I love French fries as much as the next person. However, with all their unwanted sodium, saturated fats, and carbohydrates, I’m always looking for healthier alternatives. From Healthy Carrot Fries to Butternut Squash Fries to Zucchini Fries, I’ve tried just about every healthy fry alternative in the book.

Or so I thought. Enter: Polenta Fries. Polenta is a coarsely ground cornmeal with a texture and consistency similar to that of grits. It has a subtle, corn-like flavor that is super versatile for any combination of spices. If you’ve never tried polenta fries, then it may seem crazy, but hardened polenta actually has a fantastic texture for french fries.

One of the greatest things about these fries is that they are unbelievably easy to make. When using pre-packaged polenta, these tasty fries come together in just 30 minutes. Easy, quick, and delicious—what’s not to love?

If you’re looking to really take this recipe to the next level, you can make Polenta Fries using homemade polenta. Instead of using the prepackaged kind, you can make your own polenta from scratch. Wait for it to cool and harden, then cut it into fries and follow the recipe. I don’t typically go this route, but I know some people love making their own.

This healthy side dish is perfect for pairing with all your favorite burgers and sandwiches. I’ve served it for my family dozens of times and it’s always been a huge hit in my home. Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments!

Tube pf polenta being cut into fries on a wooden cutting board.

What Is Polenta?

Polenta is an age-old Italian delicacy made from coarsely ground cornmeal. It has a flavor and texture reminiscent of grits, and its subtle corn flavor pairs well with just about almost anything that you pair it with.

Polenta is super easy to make from home, using just a few basic ingredients. All you have to do is bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add your cornmeal. Turn the heat to low and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Then, butter a baking dish and pour in the mixture.

Let it cool to room temperature and it will solidify into polenta as it cools. If you don’t have the time for this, you can find packaged polenta at most grocery stores!

Looking for more tasty ways to enjoy polenta, try this Baked Italian Polenta, Creamy Basil Polenta, or Mushroom and Spinach Polenta.

Key Ingredients

To make these delicious crispy fries, you will need just a few key ingredients:

  • Polenta: Polenta is made of ground cornmeal, water, butter, salt, and pepper. When baked into fries, it gets crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it the perfect potato alternative for homemade fries.
  • Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds tons of delicious, cheesy flavor to these healthy fries. For a gooier cheese, try swapping out the parmesan for mozzarella cheese.
  • Italian seasoning: I love seasoning my Polenta Fries with Italian seasoning, but you could really use any spices you prefer. If you want to make Italian seasoning at home, just combine basil, fresh oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

Crispy baked polenta fries with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese on a baking sheet with dipping sauce.

Recipe Tips

Here are my top tips for making the best homemade Polenta Fries:

  • If making your polenta from scratch, play around with the recipe! You can add your favorite spices and even some parmesan or mozzarella cheese.
  • If making your polenta from scratch, it will need at least an hour in the refrigerator to set before you are able to slice it into fries. Make sure you plan accordingly with this in mind.
  • If you are opting for prepackaged polenta, be sure to pat it dry before cutting it into fries. This will help to ensure that the fries get nice and crispy.
  • Make sure to cut your fries into even strips to ensure that they cook evenly. I recommend cutting your polenta into long, horizontal sheets, then cutting those in half. Then, slice them into fries that are about ½ inch thick.
  • To make these fries vegan, swap the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast still has an umami-rich cheesy flavor and tons of nutrients.

Polenta Fries Seasoning Ideas

Although this recipe calls for Italian seasoning, you can really use any seasoning that you would like for these delicious Polenta Fries! Here are a few ideas for spices and herbs that pair well with fries:

  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne powder
  • Paprika or smoked paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried parsley
  • All-purpose seasoning
  • Cajun seasoning

How to Store Polenta Fries

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rarity in my household), you can easily store them to save for later. Just transfer your leftover fries in an airtight storage bag or container, then store them in one of two ways:

  • In the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
  • In the freezer for up to 3 months.
Calories 147, Total Fat 5g, Total Carbohydrate 19g, Protein 5g, Serving Size 4.5 oz.


from Slender Kitchen Blog and Recipes RSS Feed https://ift.tt/HIn7MAN

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Huevos a la Mexicana (Mexican Scrambled Eggs)

These Mexican-style scrambled eggs are a classic Mexican breakfast that will quickly become a favorite. Huevos a la Mexicana are ready in just 15 minutes and made with a delicious combination of fresh eggs, tomatoes, onions, and chile peppers.  I love scrambled eggs as much as anyone else, but they can get a little boring at times. When I’m looking for something more exciting, I always turn to these Mexican scrambled eggs. It takes your average scramble and instantly upgrades it to something ten times more flavorful. This egg dish is the perfect way to spice up your morning routine for many reasons.  All you do is chop your veggies, whisk your eggs, and cook it all up. It’s also wholesome, nutritious, delicious, and incredibly easy to customize. Take inspiration from Huevos Rancheros and drizzle the final dish with ranchero sauce . Add fresh spinach, cilantro, or avocado. Top the final dish with queso cotija or shredded cheese. Turn it into breakfast tacos or breakfast...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cranberry Tuna Salad

Cranberry Tuna Salad will quickly become your favorite tuna salad recipes, filled with crunchy apples and celery, sweet and tangy cranberries, and a creamy dressing made with sour cream and mayonnaise. Lately quick and easy lunches have had me stumped. Most days I am making some type of salad or wrap using leftover protein and veggies. However sometimes I want something different so I decided to create one of my favorite Whole Foods Cranberry Tuna Salads at home. The recipe itself is simple – some tuna, dried cranberries, a touch of apple and celery, and the secret ingredient – a couple tablespoons of sour cream. It takes a simple tuna salad to another level and will quickly be your new favorite healthy lunch. Seriously it is the best tuna salad around. I promise you will be shocked at how simple and easy this is to whip up and how much better it is than a traditional tuna salad. In fact, it's something I almost always make as an appetizer when we have friends over for brunch o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Honey Lime Tilapia

The best recipe for tilapia with a crispy coating and tons of honey lime flavor. This easy tilapia recipe is ready in less than 15 minutes, including prep, and will please even the pickiest eater. Serve it with some Pineapple Colelsaw or Mango Salsa for a tropical meal that everyone will love. I tend to think of tilapia as an "gateway fish." By that, I mean, I have noticed that many people who swear they hate all things fish end up trying tilapia and liking it. And then that kind of makes them think they'd like other fish, too. The next thing you know, they're visiting actual seafood specialty markets looking for that perfect cut of swordfish. Don't tell me I didn't warn you. But in all seriousness, every time I have made it for people who "don't really like fish" they go crazy. It also happens to be one of my all-time favorite fish recipes. While tilapia isn't going to win any awards in the looks category alone, all you really need to d...
Post a Comment
Read more