Brazilian recipe
Crispy Homemade Fried Polenta (Polentinha frita)
Discover the secret to classic Brazilian fried polenta: a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to a creamy, soft center.
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Ingredients
Paper towels for draining
1 liter vegetable oil for frying
1 cup cornmeal (milharina)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
5 cups water
1 liter vegetable oil for frying
1 cup cornmeal (milharina)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
5 cups water
Where to find ingredients
You can find cornmeal (often labeled as fine cornmeal or 'milharina' in specialty shops) at local grocery stores or supermarkets in the baking aisle. Use any neutral high-smoke point oil like canola or sunflower oil for frying. If you cannot find pre-cooked cornmeal, standard cornmeal works, though the texture will be slightly different.
Preparation method
- Pour the water into a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your preference.
- Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the bottom of the pot, which should take about 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the polenta to rest and cool in the pot for a few minutes.
- Lightly grease a baking tray or a rectangular glass dish with a little oil.
- Spread the warm polenta into the prepared dish using the back of a spoon and let it cool completely.
- Once cool, cover the dish and refrigerate for at least an hour, or ideally, overnight.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot until it reaches approximately 180°C (350°F).
- Remove the chilled polenta from the fridge, invert the dish onto a cutting board to unmold the firm block.
- Slice the polenta block into uniform sticks or squares.
- Fry the pieces in the hot oil in small batches for about 10 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.
- Remove the pieces using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately while hot, either as a snack or as a side dish.
Observations
Fried polenta is an iconic Brazilian snack that perfectly balances comfort with a satisfying texture. By simmering cornmeal with water until it reaches a firm consistency, then chilling and frying it, you create the ultimate finger food. It is incredibly popular across Brazil, prized for its simple list of ingredients and the way it transforms pantry staples into a crispy, golden delight. Whether served as a quick appetizer or a savory side dish, it is a staple of Brazilian home cooking.
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