Brazilian recipe
Crispy Homemade Polenta Fries (Polentinha frita e)
These golden polenta fries feature a perfectly crisp exterior and a tender, creamy centre. A classic Brazilian snack made with fine maize meal.
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Ingredients
Paper towels for draining
1 litre vegetable oil for deep-frying
1 cup fine maize meal (milharina)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
5 cups water
1 litre vegetable oil for deep-frying
1 cup fine maize meal (milharina)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
5 cups water
Where to find ingredients
Maize meal can be found in the baking or breakfast cereal aisle of any local supermarket. For a similar texture to the Brazilian original, choose a fine-milled maize meal. Vegetable or sunflower oil is available in the oil and condiments aisle.
Preparation method
- Pour the water into a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat
- Gradually whisk in the maize meal, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your preference
- Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens significantly and pulls away from the base of the pot, which should take roughly 15 minutes
- Remove from the heat and allow the polenta to cool in the pot for a few minutes
- Lightly grease a baking tray or shallow dish with a small amount of oil
- Transfer the warm polenta into the prepared tray, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon, and let it cool completely
- Once cool, cover the tray and refrigerate for at least one hour, or ideally overnight to set firmly
- Heat the oil in a deep pot until it reaches approximately 180°C
- Remove the chilled polenta from the fridge, place a cutting board over the tray, and invert it to release the block
- Slice the firm polenta into uniform fingers or square portions
- Fry the pieces in batches in the hot oil for about 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop a crisp crust
- Lift the fries out with a slotted spoon and transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil
- Serve hot as an appetiser or a savoury side dish
Observations
Polentinha frita is a staple of Brazilian comfort food, prized for its contrast in textures and simplicity. The process begins by cooking maize meal in water until it forms a thick, smooth consistency. Once set in a tray and fully chilled, the polenta is sliced into uniform pieces and deep-fried until beautifully golden and crisp. Whether served as a simple snack or a versatile side dish, these fries are a crowd-pleaser that relies on basic pantry ingredients.
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