Description
Golden, crispy fried polenta served with warm marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil. A perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tube (18 oz) prepared polenta (or 3 cups cooked, cooled polenta)
- ½ cup olive oil (for frying, may use less depending on pan size)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
- If using a prepared polenta tube, slice into ½-inch thick rounds.
- If using homemade polenta, spread cooked polenta into a baking dish, chill until firm, then slice into squares, rounds, or sticks.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Test with a small piece of polenta, it should sizzle immediately.
- Carefully place polenta slices in the skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried polenta to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Immediately sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed through.
- Serve fried polenta hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, or spoon sauce over the top.
- Garnish with Parmesan, basil, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use less oil for a lighter version, or bake polenta slices instead of frying.
- Polenta can be prepared ahead of time and chilled before frying.
- Experiment with different cheeses or herbs for garnish.
- Store leftover fried polenta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet for best crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
