Gluten Free Fried Polenta Recipe

They say that the secret to creating something great is a good foundation.

I know this to be true. I used to live in earthquake country and houses without good foundations fall down. I had a business relationship where we did not clarify the basics before starting and that fell apart. Hell, gravity being what it is, I no longer look so fabulous in my slinky black dress without the correct “foundation undergarments.”

The same is true for cooking. If you want great bruschetta or someplace to put your perfectly poached egg it is wise to have a good foundation. Something that tastes great and holds up. Bread is good for this but alas that nasty little gluten intolerance thing gets in the way of that. So what’s a gluten free person to do?

My answer is often gluten free fried polenta. I make a batch of polenta, spread it out on a baking sheet, let it firm up in the fridge and then cut into what ever shape is called for; squares, circles, triangles, stars, you name it!

Depending on the use you can flavor it up with chicken or vegetable stock, milk, herbs, spices and all sorts of cheese.

This is a versatile little building block to have on hand when you need a good foundation for something greater. But you know what? They are also fantastic as is, even better when sprinkled with a little grated Parmesan, minced herbs and fresh ground pepper.

4 from 1 vote

Print Recipe

Gluten Free Fried Polenta Recipe

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Chill time2 hrs

Total Time30 mins

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 1045kcal

Author: Gluten Free & More

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 cups water - stock or milk
• ▢ 1 - 2 teaspoons salt - depending on cooking liquid, more for water & milk, less for stock
• ▢ 1 cup fine grain polenta
• ▢ 1 cup cheese - Parmesan, monterey jack, cheddar, optional
• ▢ Olive oil for frying

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• ▢
  In a heavy saucepan bring liquid and salt to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add the polenta gradually, whisking constantly. Continue to cook and whisk for 5 minutes, the mixture should be thick and creamy. Reduce heat to low and add cheese if using. Stir with a wooden spoon until the cheese is melted and continue to cook for 10 minutes stirring frequently. If not adding cheese then just continue to cook and stir on low for 10 minutes once you have reduced the heat.
• ▢
  Invert a rimmed quarter sheet baking sheet on the counter and top with parchment or waxed paper. Spread the polenta out with a spatula (a large metal off set spatula works best) into a smooth, even layer. Top with another sheet or parchment or waxed paper. Take another baking sheet the same size and place the bottom on top of the parchment or waxed paper. You will now have the polenta sandwiched between both the baking sheets. Gently press down on the top baking sheet with both hands until the polenta is even and the thickness you want, I usually do ¼ inch thick. Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
• ▢
  Remove the top baking sheet and top layer of paper. Slide the bottom paper with the polenta on it onto a cutting broad. Cut with knife or cookie cutters into desired shape and size. I usually make triangles by cutting 3½ inch squares and then cutting the squares in half on the diagonal. If you do this you will get 24 good sized triangles.
• ▢
  Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to lightly coat. Once the olive oil is heated place the polenta pieces (smoothest side down first) and fry for about 3 – 4 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and fry the other side until it is golden brown.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Gluten Free Fried Polenta Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1045 Calories from Fat 351

% Daily Value*

Fat 39g60%

Saturated Fat 24g120%

Cholesterol 118mg39%

Sodium 703mg29%

Potassium 328mg9%

Carbohydrates 128g43%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 42g84%

Vitamin A 1475IU30%

Calcium 815mg82%

Iron 2.4mg13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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