Crispy Fried Polenta with Marinara Sauce
Enjoy the satisfying crunch of crispy fried polenta served with a rich marinara sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Polenta
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil for frying
For Serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- Parmesan cheese optional for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves optional for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Polenta
- In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the salt and then gradually whisk in the polenta.
- Reduce heat to low, stirring continuously for approximately 20-30 minutes until the mix thickens and pulls away from the sides.
Shaping and Frying
- Once cooked, pour the polenta into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Allow it to cool and set for at least 30 minutes.
- Once the polenta is firm, cut it into squares or triangles.
- In a skillet, heat up 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Fry the polenta pieces in batches for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- As you finish frying the polenta, warm up the marinara sauce in a separate saucepan.
- Drizzle the sauce over the crispy polenta and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor.
Notes
For gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free cornmeal. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy polenta. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days, and reheating in an oven or air fryer helps regain crispiness.