Brazilian recipe
Crispy fried polenta (Polentinha frita)
A traditional Brazilian appetizer featuring a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior made from cornmeal.
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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
Cornmeal (milharina) can be found in the international aisle or baking section of local supermarkets; if unavailable, fine yellow cornmeal is a suitable substitute.
Preparation method
- In a pot, add the water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the cornmeal gradually, 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 warm polenta to the prepared dish, spread it out with the back of a spoon, and allow it to cool completely.
- Once cooled, 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 invert it to unmold.
- Cut the firm polenta into uniform sticks or squares.
- Fry the pieces in the hot oil, in small batches, for about 10 minutes or until they become golden and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish.
Observations
Crispy fried polenta is a classic Brazilian recipe that perfectly balances flavor and comfort. It is prepared with a base of cornmeal (milharina) and water, cooked until it reaches a firm consistency. Once cooled and set, the polenta is sliced into pieces and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. Whether served as a savory snack or a side dish, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a flavorful preparation using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients.
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