Best Easy Polenta Fritta Recipe

Crispy fried polenta sticks or squares are an addictive vegetarian snack or side dish. This mediterranean treat is family-friendly and makes a great fresh appetizer for Italian dinner parties.

Cook 60 min Difficulty EASY 170 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • yellow cornmeal 1 cup
  • water 3 cups
  • Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 1 cup
  • salt 0.75 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 27 g 63%
Protein 3 g 7%
Fat 6 g 30%
Serving size 90g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring 3 cups water and 0.75 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in 1 cup yellow cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

  3. 3

    Cook and stir polenta for 20–25 minutes on low heat until thick and creamy; stir regularly and add black pepper.

  4. 4

    Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, and immediately spread polenta evenly into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan.

  5. 5

    Let polenta cool completely, then chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes until firm; cut into sticks or squares.

  6. 6

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry polenta pieces in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Polenta Fritta Recipe?
The essential ingredient is yellow cornmeal, which forms the base for traditional polenta. Its texture and subtle flavor define the fritta's character, while Parmesan adds a savory depth.
Q. Which cooking step is most critical for achieving crispy polenta fritta?
The most important step is frying the cut polenta pieces in hot olive oil until golden and crisp. Keeping the oil at medium-high heat and not overcrowding the pan helps ensure each fritta develops a deliciously crisp exterior without absorbing excess oil.
Q. How can I prevent the polenta from being too soft or falling apart during frying?
To avoid soft or fragile polenta, let the cooked mixture cool completely and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This firm texture allows you to cut stable sticks or squares that hold together when fried.
Q. How many calories and carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each 90g serving contains about 170 kcal and provides 27 grams of carbohydrates, which is 63% of the total caloric value. This makes Polenta Fritta a moderate-carb, energy-rich snack or appetizer.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for a Mediterranean vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe features olive oil, cornmeal, and Parmesan, all common in Mediterranean diets, and contains no meat or seafood. It's tagged as both vegetarian and mediterranean.
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