Brazilian recipe
Crispy fried polenta (Polentinha frita)
A traditional Brazilian staple featuring a crunchy golden exterior and a tender, soft center, perfect for snacking or as a versatile side dish.
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Ingredients
Paper towels for draining
1 liter of vegetable oil for frying
1 cup of milharina (fine cornmeal)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
5 cups of water
1 liter of vegetable oil for frying
1 cup of milharina (fine cornmeal)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
5 cups of water
Where to find ingredients
Milharina or fine cornmeal can be found in local grocery stores or specialized ethnic food markets. Vegetable oil, salt, and pepper are available at any standard supermarket.
Preparation method
- In a pot, add the water and bring to a boil over medium heat
- Once the water is hot, gradually add the milharina while stirring constantly to avoid lumps
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste
- Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the bottom of the pot, approximately 15 minutes
- Turn off the heat and let the polenta cool in the pot for a few minutes
- Grease a baking sheet or a glass dish with a little olive oil or vegetable oil
- Transfer the still-warm polenta to the dish, spread it out with the back of a spoon and let it cool completely
- After cooling, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight
- Heat the oil in a deep pot until it reaches approximately 180°C
- Remove the polenta from the refrigerator, place a cutting board over the dish and flip it to unmold
- Cut the polenta into sticks or squares of uniform size
- Fry the pieces in hot oil, in small batches, for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain the excess oil
- Serve hot as a snack or side dish
Observations
Fried polenta is a classic Brazilian favorite that perfectly balances flavor and convenience. It is crafted by cooking cornmeal in water until it reaches a thick, firm consistency. Once cooled and set, the polenta is sliced into uniform pieces and deep-fried until they achieve a signature golden crunch. This dish is an excellent choice for a snack or accompaniment, offering a satisfying texture that is both simple to prepare and delicious to serve.
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