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5 from 26 votes

Easy Fried Polenta Recipe

Cooked and then gently seared, this classic simple fried polenta recipe is a delicious side dish for any saucy meal and great alternative to pasta or rice.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Cooling time30 minutes
Total Time42 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: corn meal
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 244kcal
Author: Jane and Sonja
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • 1 heavy sauce pan
  • 1 shallow dish or baking sheet
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 5 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups corn meal

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients in a heavy large saucepan. Slowly bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and use a wooden spoon to stir often for 2-3 minutes to keep the mixture from burning on the bottom. The polenta will thicken as you cook: you are aiming for a thick porridge consistency.
  • Pour the hot polenta mixture into a large dish or baking sheet so that it is an even layer about 1 1/2 inches thick. Let cool to room temperature to set (you can even leave this overnight in the fridge).
  • Once cooled the polenta should be firm enough to cut into cubes, about 1" across. 
    Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat. Place the polenta pieces in a single layer onto the hot oil. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes, until slightly golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 192mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 2mg