Best 16 Fried Polenta Recipes

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Delve into the culinary world of fried polenta, a delectable dish with a crispy exterior and a creamy, tender interior. This versatile Italian dish, stemming from the humble origins of peasant cooking, has risen to become a celebrated delicacy. Its simplicity allows for endless variations, inviting experimentation with diverse flavors and accompaniments. Join us on this gastronomic journey as we explore the secrets of crafting the perfect fried polenta, a symphony of textures and tastes that will gratify your palate and leave you craving for more. Let's embark on this culinary adventure, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Italian cuisine.

Let's cook with our recipes!

FRIED POLENTA SQUARES WITH CREAMY MUSHROOM RAGU



Fried Polenta Squares with Creamy Mushroom Ragu image

You won't be able to resist this hearty, heart-warming side dish from Beth Kirby of Local Milk.

Provided by Reynolds Kitchens(R)

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Reynolds®

Time 3h45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 cups water
1 cup polenta
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound mixed wild mushrooms (like shiitake, oyster, chanterelle, hen of the woods), cleaned and sliced
1 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup dry white wine
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sugar
1 squeeze fresh lemon juice
½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 sheet Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil

Steps:

  • Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Whisk in the polenta. Once it begins to thicken, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes until creamy and thick, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Stir in the Parmesan and a 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until melted and cheese is no longer visible. Remove from heat.
  • Line an 8x11 inch baking dish with Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil and carefully pour the polenta into the baking dish, using a spatula to smooth it to an even thickness, about 3/4 inch. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to two days until firm.
  • While the polenta chills, make your ragu. In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and saute until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent browning. Add mushrooms and thyme and cook over medium-high heat until the mushrooms start to release their liquid. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and continue to cook another 5 minutes until they begin to soften more.
  • Add flour, stirring, until it is no longer visible, about 1 minute. Add in the wine, cream and sugar, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Taste and adjust salt if desired. Simmer until thick and creamy and the mushrooms are nicely coated, about 15 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup minced parsley. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
  • Slice your polenta into squares -- whatever size you desire. Wipe down your skillet, coat it with nonstick cooking spray, and heat it over medium-high. Fry the squares in the pan until golden brown and warmed through. To serve, top the squares with warm mushroom ragu.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 447.8 calories, Carbohydrate 46.9 g, Cholesterol 32.5 mg, Fat 19 g, Fiber 7.1 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 948.9 mg, Sugar 6.2 g

FRIED POLENTA



Fried Polenta image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Cut one 18-ounce tube polenta into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the polenta in flour and fry in batches until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side (add more oil if necessary). Drain on a rack; sprinkle with salt and grated parmesan.

FRIED POLENTA WITH TOMATO BASIL SAUCE



Fried Polenta with Tomato Basil Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 4h45m

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups 2 percent milk
2 cups cornmeal
1/4 cup diced roasted red peppers, optional
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, optional
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tomatoes, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 bunch fresh thyme leaves

Steps:

  • Butter a 12 by 14-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • In a large pot, bring the stock and milk to a boil. While whisking, slowly add the cornmeal and continue to whisk until thick, about 15 minutes. Stir in the red peppers and the blue cheese, if using. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and cool completely in refrigerator. When the polenta has cooled, cut into squares. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saute pan. Place the polenta squares in the pan and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. In another saute pan, heat the remaining olive oil and add tomatoes and garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the wine and butter and reduce until sauce has thickened and then add the basil and thyme. Transfer the polenta to a platter and pour the tomato sauce over the squares.

HOT AIR FRIED POLENTA ROUNDS



Hot Air Fried Polenta Rounds image

I love Polenta but to crisp it up, you have to fry it in oil. I didn't like that so when I got my Farberware Hot Air Fryer I promised myself I'd try cooking the Polenta in it. I did today and it was delicious. It's good served with some sort of tomato sauce, even Ketchup is good with it.

Provided by Jo Zimny

Categories     Other Side Dishes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 2

1-18 oz. pkg ancient-harvest pre-cooked polenta roll
1 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin

Steps:

  • 1. Open the Polenta Roll. With a sharp knife, cut the Polenta in 1/2 inch thick slices. Brush both sides of the slices with oil.
  • 2. Spray the basket of the hot air fryer with oil. Heat the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400'F.
  • 3. Place the Polenta slices into the preheated air fryer and cook for 25 minutes. Then flip the slices and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
  • 4. Remove the slices and Enjoy!

PAN-FRIED POLENTA WITH BRUSCHETTA TOPPING



Pan-Fried Polenta with Bruschetta Topping image

This yummy pan-fried polenta topped with fresh bruschetta topping makes great summer treat using fresh tomatoes and herbs!

Provided by Michelle

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Bruschetta Recipes

Time 1h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

cooking spray
2 ½ cups water
1 cup cornmeal
⅓ cup diced oil-packed sundried tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried garlic
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 medium tomatoes, chopped
½ red onion, minced
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Line a pie pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
  • Bring water to a boil in a pot over high heat. Stir in cornmeal slowly. Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until thick, about 10 minutes. Pour into the prepared pan; smooth out evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
  • Mix tomatoes, onion, basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Chill bruschetta until ready to use.
  • Heat olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. Remove polenta from the pie pan and slice into 8 triangles. Brown slices in hot oil until golden, about 6 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels; transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with bruschetta topping on each slice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 219.3 calories, Carbohydrate 19.3 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 14.4 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 116.4 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

PAN-FRIED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH POLENTA AND SALSA



Pan-Fried Chicken Breasts With Polenta and Salsa image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dinner, project

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 cups instant polenta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup coarsely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 small ripe avocados, skinned and pitted
4 tablespoons lime juice
1 small red onion, finely diced
2 jalapeno or serrano chilies, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves plus 4 coriander sprigs
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 large chicken breasts, halved
8 ripe plum tomatoes
4 scallions, finely chopped
2 large heads arugula

Steps:

  • Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Carefully whisk in the polenta to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat, and continuously stir the mixture until it thickens (just a couple of minutes). Remove from the heat, and stir in the butter and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon into a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish, and spread evenly with a spatula. Allow to cool. Refrigerate, if making ahead.
  • For the guacamole, puree the avocados with the lime juice in a food processor. Stir in the onion, a quarter to a half of the minced chilies and the coriander leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate, if making ahead.
  • When ready to serve, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pan. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and brown over high heat. Turn, and brown on the other side. Reduce the heat to medium-high, and cook the chicken until it is done, a total of about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, make the salsa. Trim the tomatoes, quarter them and place in the food processor along with the coriander sprigs, scallions and the remaining minced chilies (or less to taste). Process until coarse. Season with salt and pepper.
  • When ready to brown the polenta, preheat the broiler. Turn out the polenta from its dish onto an oiled baking sheet, and place under the hot broiler until the surface begins to puff and brown, 3 to 5 minutes. The polenta can broil while chicken is cooking.
  • In center of a plate, place a pool of salsa. Place the polenta on top of the salsa. Arrange a few arugula leaves on the side; place a piece of chicken on the arugula, and top the chicken with guacamole.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 522, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Fat 29 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 30 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 739 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

DELICIOUS CHICKEN OVER FRIED POLENTA



Delicious Chicken over Fried Polenta image

This is fast & fabulous! Created for RSC Lucky 13. If you can do portion control, this is 4-6 servings BUT it is so good that my family of 4 devoured the whole thing & wanted more. An example of a good recipe for firm polenta is recipe#245560. Enjoy!

Provided by Elmotoo

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried ancho chile powder
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 cups onions, peeled halved, & sliced thinly, approx. 2 large
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup canola oil
4 cups firm prepared polenta (or 2 packages of polenta from the store.)

Steps:

  • Cool prepared polenta in a 9x13-inch baking dish & cut into 8 2-inch squares. Or slice store bought polenta into 1/2" slices.
  • Combine cubed chicken, soy sauce, honey, cinnamon & ancho chili powder. Let marinate while you work on other steps.
  • In heavy skillet, heat 2TB oil. Cook onions over medium low heat until dark brown. Season with salt & pepper.
  • In another large pan, heat 1/4c oil over medium high heat until hot. Add as many polenta squares/slices as will fit comfortably. Cover to avoid splatter & let cook, checking after 5 minutes, until well browned & crispy. Turn over & repeat. Continue until all polenta is fried. Add more oil if necessary.
  • When the onions are caramelized, add the marinating chicken along with the marinade. Cook on high heat until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Taste for seasoning; add salt & pepper if necessary.
  • Serve chicken over fried polenta.

GRILLED POLENTA WITH SPICY TOMATO SAUCE AND FRIED EGGS



Grilled Polenta With Spicy Tomato Sauce and Fried Eggs image

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 40m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Basic firm polenta (see recipe), cut into 8 squares
Olive oil
1 onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper
3 cups canned diced tomatoes, with juice
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon roughly chopped capers
1/4 cup roughly chopped pitted black olives
4 anchovy fillets, rinsed and chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Large eggs, for frying

Steps:

  • Paint tops of polenta squares lightly with olive oil. Heat a stovetop grill or cast-iron griddle. Lay polenta top-side down and cook until nicely browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Flip and brown the other side. Keep warm.
  • For the sauce, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy saucepan. Add onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute more. Add tomatoes and bay leaf and simmer briskly for 5 to 8 minutes, until thickened slightly. Add capers, olives and anchovies and cook for 2 minutes more. Season with red pepper flakes and a little more salt if necessary.
  • On each plate, put 1 square of warm polenta and spoon sauce around it. For each diner, fry 1 or 2 eggs sunny-side up in olive oil, and place on top of sauce. Serve immediately.

FRIED POLENTA, EGGS, AND SAGE



Fried Polenta, Eggs, and Sage image

Firm polenta (or leftover wedges from dinner) can resurface at breakfast. Its nuttiness and slight sweetness complement the eggs and sage.Spooning the oil over the sage and eggs helps to fry the tops.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
8 pieces set polenta (about 1/3 batch) Basic Polenta (Soft or Set)
8 fresh sage leaves
4 large eggs
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Heat half the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the polenta, and cook, without flipping, until bottom is golden brown and polenta can be moved without tearing, 9 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, flip polenta, and move to edges of skillet.
  • Add half the sage and 2 eggs to center of skillet, and cook, spooning oil over sage and eggs, until polenta is crisp on bottom and egg whites are set, about 4 minutes. (Add up to 2 teaspoons more oil if needed.) Season with salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Divide among plates, and serve.

CALZAGATTI (PAN-FRIED POLENTA AND BEANS)



Calzagatti (Pan-Fried Polenta and Beans) image

From Italy's Emilia-Romagna, creamy polenta and cranberry beans are cooked together and then pan-fried. This particular version hails from Modena, famous for sports cars and Luciano Pavarotti. This recipe can also be called "casagai" or "cazzagai". This street food makes a lovely snack or appetizer and is best served with a light red wine. Serve warm as an appetizer or alongside a salad for a light meal.

Provided by Buckwheat Queen

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Polenta Recipes

Time 9h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup polenta
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 ½ ounces guanciale, minced
¼ cup minced white onion
1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped
1 clove garlic, whole
1 cup Romano (cranberry) beans, rinsed and drained
¼ cup canned, diced tomatoes
cheesecloth
¼ cup light vegetable oil, divided

Steps:

  • Bring 3 cups of water to boil in a large pot. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sprinkle in polenta, whisking constantly, to avoid lumps from forming. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until polenta is creamy and no longer gritty, 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat.
  • While polenta is cooking, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet. Add guanciale and saute until crispy. Add minced onion, garlic clove, and rosemary and cook until garlic is lightly browned and fragrant but not burned, about 1 minute. Remove and discard garlic clove. Stir in cranberry beans and tomatoes and simmer until thickened a bit, about 5 minutes.
  • Fold bean mixture into polenta and mix well. Pour into a 9-inch square glass dish or silicone cake pan and allow to cool, about 30 minutes.
  • Flip cooled polenta over and set out, covered with cheesecloth, to air-dry until most of the moisture has evaporated, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Cut dried polenta into 2x3-inch rectangles.
  • Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil. Add a few polenta rectangles to the hot oil and cook until brown and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes, without disturbing the calzagatti. Flip, and cook until brown and crisp on the other side. Remove and drain on paper towels. Continue with the rest of the calzagatti, adding more oil as necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 218.2 calories, Carbohydrate 21.1 g, Cholesterol 6.5 mg, Fat 12.9 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 452.7 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

BBQ CHICKEN POLENTA WITH FRIED EGG



BBQ Chicken Polenta with Fried Egg image

In college, BBQ chicken with polenta warmed me up before class. Now I cook it for brunch with friends and family. - Evan Janney, Los Angeles, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Breakfast     Brunch

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tube (1 pound) polenta, cut into 8 slices
1 small garlic clove, minced
4 large eggs

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine chicken, barbecue sauce and cilantro; heat through over medium heat, stirring occasionally., In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add polenta; cook until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a serving plate; keep warm., In same pan, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Break eggs, 1at a time, into pan. Reduce heat to low. Cook to desired doneness, turning after whites are set, if desired. Serve over polenta with chicken mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 367 calories, Fat 15g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 265mg cholesterol, Sodium 923mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

BUTTERY POLENTA WITH PARMESAN, OLIVE OIL FRIED EGGS, AND GARLICK



Buttery Polenta With Parmesan, Olive Oil Fried Eggs, and Garlick image

Make and share this Buttery Polenta With Parmesan, Olive Oil Fried Eggs, and Garlick recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Brookelynne26

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 1/2 cups chicken or 4 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups polenta
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 -4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 ounce parmesan cheese
2 bunches swiss chard, stems removed
3 tablespoons oilve oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large pinch crushed red pepper flakes
8 large eggs

Steps:

  • Bring water or broth to a simmer. Stir in the polenta and salt. Simmer the polenta, stirring frequently but not constantly, until thickenedd to taste, about 10 to 20 minutes. Stir in the butter and pepper and cover the pot to keep warm.
  • Slice the cheese chunk into slivers using a vegetable peeler. Or grate the cheese on the largest holes of a box grater.
  • Stack the chard leaves on top of each other and slice into 1/4-inch thick strips.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and saute for 30 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the chard, coating in oil. Cover the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, until wilted. Stir and cook for 2 minutes longer, uncovered. Season with salt. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Fry four of the eggs until the edges are crispy and the yolks are still runny. Repeat with the remaining oil and eggs.
  • Pile polenta into bowls, top with swiss chard, cheese and then fried egg. Garnish with sea salt and more pepper and serve.

FRIED POLENTA



FRIED POLENTA image

Categories     Hominy/Cornmeal/Masa

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups Basic Polenta, recipe follows
2 cups olive oil, for frying
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt
1 cup purchased marinara sauce
Polenta:
6 cups water (or 2 c Milk & 4 c stock)
2 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 cups yellow cornmeal
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Lightly oil an 11 by 7-inch baking dish. Transfer the hot polenta to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to 3/4-inch thick. Refrigerate until cold and firm, about 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Cut the polenta into 2 by 1-inch pieces. Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the polenta pieces until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Using tongs, transfer the polenta pieces to paper towels and drain. Place the polenta pieces on a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while cooking the remaining batches. Transfer the polenta pieces to a serving platter. Sprinkle the polenta with the Parmesan cheese and salt. Serve, passing the marinara sauce alongside. Basic Polenta: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a heavy large saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the butter, and stir until melted.

SKIRT STEAK WITH PAN-FRIED POLENTA



Skirt Steak with Pan-Fried Polenta image

Left over polenta crisps beautifully in a skillet and is great accompaniment to a seared skirt steak and a fresh arugula salad.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/4 pounds skirt steak (fat trimmed), cut into 4 pieces and patted dry
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Reserved polenta, cut into 8 wedges
4 cups reserved leeks
3 ounces baby arugula (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves
Lemon wedges (optional), for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high. Season steak on both sides with salt and pepper. In two batches, cook steak until browned, 6 minutes per batch, flipping once. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet, loosely tent with foil, and keep warm in oven. Wipe skillet clean and return to heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and cook half the polenta wedges until crisp, about 5 minutes, flipping once. Repeat with remaining oil and polenta. Transfer to sheet with steak. Add leeks to skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, stirring frequently, 3 minutes.
  • Toss together arugula and parsley. Thinly slice steak against the grain and serve with salad, polenta wedges topped with leeks, and lemon wedges, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 482 g, Fat 17 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 35 g

POLENTA WITH PARMESAN AND OLIVE OIL-FRIED EGGS



Polenta With Parmesan and Olive Oil-Fried Eggs image

If you've ever decided that cold cereal is a good dinner, here's another, far better option. Soft and steaming, with plenty of salt and pepper mixed in and perhaps some grated cheese applied at the end, a bowl of polenta or grits is deeply satisfying and requires not much more than a pot and a spoon to prepare. And topping the buttery, cheesy polenta with eggs fried in olive oil makes for a dish that is far more elegant and luxurious than its simple ingredients would imply.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     quick, weeknight, main course

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 1/2 cups low-sodium broth or water
1 1/2 cups polenta (not quick-cooking), coarse corn meal or corn grits
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 to 4 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
1 1-ounce chunk or 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 large eggs
Coarse sea salt for garnish

Steps:

  • In a large pot, bring broth or water to a simmer. Stir in the polenta and salt. Simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened to taste, 10 to 20 minutes. Stir in butter and pepper; cover pot to keep warm.
  • Using a vegetable peeler, slice cheese into slivers, or grate it on largest holes of a box grater.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil until very hot. Fry 4 eggs until edges are crispy and yolks still runny. Repeat with remaining oil and eggs.
  • Pile polenta into 4 bowls and top with cheese and then fried eggs. Garnish with sea salt and more pepper and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 527, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 48 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 19 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 721 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

AIR-FRIED CAJUN POLENTA FRIES



Air-Fried Cajun Polenta Fries image

Pre-made polenta, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and a little salt are all you need for these crispy polenta fries. They are great right out of the oven but also good cold. Polenta fries are a healthier alternative than fries made from potatoes; they have fewer carbs. Serve with a simple aioli, ketchup, or desired dipping sauce.

Provided by Bren

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Polenta Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ (18 ounce) package prepared polenta, cut into 3/4-inch wedges
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat an air fryer to 356 degrees F (180 degrees C).
  • Combine oil and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Brush seasoned oil onto the polenta wedges with a pastry brush. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Place the wedges into the bowl of the air fryer, overlapping slightly if needed.
  • Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes. Flip carefully with a silicone spatula. Cook, shaking basket occasionally and using spatula if wedges stick, until crispy, 15 to 20 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 209.2 calories, Carbohydrate 19.2 g, Fat 13.5 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 2.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 586.9 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right polenta: For a crispy exterior and a creamy interior, use a coarse-ground polenta.
  • Cook the polenta properly: Follow the package directions carefully to ensure that the polenta is cooked through but not too soft.
  • Let the polenta cool: Before frying, let the polenta cool completely in the refrigerator. This will help it hold its shape better.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the polenta from burning.
  • Use enough oil: Add enough oil to the skillet so that the polenta is at least 1/2 inch deep. This will help to ensure that the polenta fries evenly.
  • Don't overcrowd the skillet: Fry the polenta in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will cause the polenta to steam instead of fry.
  • Flip the polenta carefully: Use a spatula to carefully flip the polenta halfway through cooking. This will help to ensure that it cooks evenly.

Conclusion:

Fried polenta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer it crispy or soft, cheesy or plain, fried polenta is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a new dish to try, give fried polenta a try!

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