Savory Crispy Polenta

Transform simple ingredients into a gourmet offering with this Savory Crispy Polenta recipe—your new favorite comfort food with a sophisticated twist. Featuring creamy polenta infused with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is elevated further by its golden, crispy exterior achieved through a quick pan-fry. Ideal for entertaining or indulging on a quiet night in, these polenta slices delight with their crunchy texture and fluffy center. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, they make a stunning appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with roasted vegetables or marinara sauce. Easy to prepare and loaded with rich, savory flavor, crispy polenta is a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Polenta (coarse cornmeal)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil (for frying)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in 1 cup of polenta, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.

Step 3

Cook the polenta over low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for about 25-30 minutes, or until thickened and creamy.

Step 4

Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 5

Pour the cooked polenta into a lightly greased rectangular baking dish or sheet pan, spreading it out evenly to about 1/2-inch thickness. Let it cool completely for about 20 minutes, or until firm.

Step 6

Once the polenta is firm, cut it into squares, rectangles, or triangles, depending on your preference.

Step 7

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, fry the polenta pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.

Step 8

Remove the crispy polenta from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Garnish the crispy polenta with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1369.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1788.8

Total Fat 91.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 145.8mg	0%
Sodium 3903.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 193.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 1.8g
Protein 52.2g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 991.1mg	0%
Iron 6.0mg	0%
Potassium 300.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.5%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 42.9%