Polenta Fries

I made polenta fries last night, because sometimes you have to shake things up on a Sunday. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and they’re easier to make than french fries. This is a speedy way to make polenta, unlike the classic method of being chained to the stove stirring – just toss a few ingredients into a bowl and pop it in the microwave! These fries go perfectly with burgers and chicken, or by themselves, jazzed up with some cheese and herbs with a side of marinara.

• 4 cups water
• 1 1/4 cups yellow corn meal
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons butter
• freshly ground black pepper
• olive oil

1. In a large bowl, combine water, cornmeal, and salt, microwave, uncovered for 6 minutes.

2. Remove from microwave, stir well, then cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter, add fresh ground pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes.*

3. Grease a loaf pan with a half tablespoon of butter. Pour polenta into loaf pan and brush the top with the remaining butter. Let stand until it’s cool, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.

4. Remove polenta from pan onto a cutting board, and cut into 1/2 inch slices. Cut the slices into fries. Brush with olive oil and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in a 400º oven for 15 minutes, flip over and continue baking for another 15 until golden brown.

(*If you want to add cheese – stir in a cup of shredded mozzarella and some fresh herbs.)