Polenta Frita

Name: Polenta Frita
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 3 cups water; 1 tsp fine sea salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cups neutral frying oil

Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, these fried polenta sticks are a staple Brazilian bar snack. Rich Parmesan and butter add savory depth to every bite.

40 minMediumServes 4280 cal/serving

BrazilianAppetizerStovetopVegetarianGluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal
3 cups water
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups neutral frying oil

Instructions

1

Bring 3 cups water and 1 tsp fine sea salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2

Gradually whisk in 1 cup yellow cornmeal, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes while stirring continuously until thick.
3

Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
4

Pour the mixture into a lined square dish, smooth the top, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm.
5

Slice the chilled polenta block into rectangular sticks.
6

Heat 2 cups neutral frying oil in a heavy skillet to 350 degrees F, then fry the polenta sticks in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Questions

Can I make Polenta Frita dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Polenta Frita keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Polenta Frita?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

Vinagrete (Brazilian Tomato Onion Relish) sauce
Guarana Limeade Spritz drink
Caipirinha drink

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