Check out this Italian vegan polenta fries tutorial
Polenta, a classic Italian staple made by boiling cornmeal, is typically enjoyed as a warm porridge or baked, grilled, or fried in loaves. Today, we're putting a vegan spin on it with vegan polenta fries. This creative recipe pairs the creamy comfort of polenta with the satisfying crunch of fries, making it a perfect fit for vegan diets. So, let's get cooking and transport ourselves to Italy!
Gather the following ingredients
To get started on this delicious adventure, gather one cup of coarse cornmeal, four cups of water for boiling, one teaspoon of salt for taste enhancement, and two tablespoons of olive oil for frying. Plus, to season our fries to perfection, you'll need one teaspoon each of garlic powder and dried rosemary. And of course, don't forget your favorite marinara sauce for serving!
Preparing the polenta base
Begin by bringing four cups of water to a boil in a large pot over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal and a teaspoon of salt to ensure a lump-free mixture. Lower the heat and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pot. This should take around 15 to 20 minutes. This key step creates the foundation for our fries.
Shaping and cooling
Once thickened, pour the polenta onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, aiming for a half-inch thickness. Sprinkle with garlic powder and dried rosemary while warm for added flavor. Allow it to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate to set, approximately an hour. This step helps in slicing it into fries easily.
Cutting and frying
Once chilled, slice your solidified polenta into strips that mimic the shape of classic fries—around half an inch wide and three inches long is perfect. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-high flame, then fry these strips until they turn golden brown on all sides, which usually takes about three minutes per side depending on thickness.
Serving suggestions
Serve these crispy vegan polenta fries hot, with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they offer a satisfying crunch with a soft interior. This recipe is a tribute to Italian culinary creativity, veganized for your enjoyment. It respects the essence of traditional Italian cooking while providing a contemporary vegan spin, perfect for any occasion or mealtime craving.
