Fried polenta, a very simple and quick recipe, is one of the recipes created to make use of polenta leftovers. Like Nonna and Mamma always told me, in the kitchen you must never throw anything away ... and they were right! We often serve fried polenta together with an aperitif, hot and freshly cooked. With its golden and crunchy crust this is an explosion of flavour! We love simple dishes made from the heart!
You can serve slices of fried polenta with various toppings like I have presented here, or simply add some salt like a chips. So yummy!!
FOR THE POLENTA SERVING 4 PEOPLE:
500g cornflour (the Italian antique yellow "Ottofile" ground cornflour is recommended)
2litres water
Salt
In a large pot add 2l of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring to the boil. Gradually pour in the corn flour, whisking constantly to combine. Once it starts to boil, reduce heat cover with a lid but keep whisking frequently, every few minutes. This to prevent the polenta sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook for approximately 45-50 minutes. Taste for more salt in the last five minutes.
FOR THE FRIED POLENTA:
Prepare the polenta the day before, pour it into a pan, with the back of a spoon spread the polenta well. Let it cool to room temperature and then, once cold, cover with cling film and put in the fridge overnight. This allows it to harden well and you do not risk that when it is cooked it will disintegrate because it is not cooled sufficiently.
Once the polenta is cold, cut into thin, square slices, no more than 1.5cm. In a pan, heat the oil well and when it is hot, fry the slices of polenta. When they are golden brown on one side, turn them over and finish cooking.
Once cooked, place the fried polenta slices on a sheet of absorbent paper so that they lose excess oil, add salt and serve immediately.
Or like me, you can serve them with toppings such as your best choice of cured meat, chopped mushrooms (previously cooked), cheese, sausage mince (previously cooked), truffle, chopped cherry tomatoes and basil, and so on!
Your choice your topping!
Enjoy your aperitif time with friends and family! Don't forget your Aperol Spritz or your favourite drinks!
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