November 30, 2010

Polenta Fries

We all crave French fries at times, yes? Their crisp, golden crust and creamy, soft interior make for an amazing mouth feel. However, they're usually so greasy that they leave you nursing a stomach ache for the rest of the night. Sometimes the pain is worth it, but usually it's not. Despite that, it's always nice to sink your teeth into something with complex textures that reminds you of one of the most comforting "American" foods. So, with that, I decided to take this classic, turn it on its heels and put my own spin on it.


Garlic sage polenta fries
Ingredients

- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Romano cheese, grated
- S&P, to taste

Instructions
- Bring vegetable stock to a boil. Turn to a simmer and slowly whisk in polenta. Stir constantly until thickened, about 20 minutes. Fold in garlic, sage, cheese and seasoning. Place in a square container (I used tupperware), place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface, pressing down to make an even top. Refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Preheat oven to 425.
- Cut polenta into uniform fries of your desired size. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet, brush the tops with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes. Flip, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Sprinkle with salt or Romano cheese immediately, if desired. Serve hot.

Serves 4

Dare I say I like these more than French fries? They're wonderfully crispy outside and almost melt in my mouth upon biting into them. The sage isn't overwhelming, but adds a nice seasonal, woodsy hint.



As a note, be easy on the salt. The Romano is salty on its own, so you don't need much extra. But don't skimp on the cheese - it definitely takes these over the top.



Next time you have a fry craving, give these a go. Your stomach will thank me in more ways than one.

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10 comments:

  1. oh, darlin' ... you are GENIUS !! I have wanted to make these for SO LONG... I love the sage... I've starred this post!

    thanks for sharing!! <3

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  2. These look incredible!!!!!!!!! What an awesome idea! And good for you too. I haven't been able to eat french fries as much as I would like for two reasons: they mess up my stomach, and once I start eating them, I can't stop. I've tried making the baked potato fries, but that's not the same! Will definitely be making these soon! Thanks for the recipe.

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  3. @fitchocoholic

    Thank you! I only eat French fries maybe a few times a year because fried foods just don't agree with me, so I prefer things like this!

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  4. So these are the reason that you were being distracted from talking to me yesterday? Hm...I guess they look absolutely delectable and you certainly have an eye for presentation, so I guess I'll let this one slide.

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  5. @Andrew

    Partially, though my salmon required intense attention as well.

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  6. These look so good!!! I have never made polenta fries because I thought they were super complicated and probably not worth it but you make them sound so simple and delicious...I will be putting this on my list of to-do foods!

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  7. @MegSmith

    They're easy and totally worth it! Plus you can add pretty much anything you want to flavor them. :)

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