2/7 Happy Meatless Monday Polenta Fries w/Basil Sea Salt
Happy Meatless Monday.
Over the weekend we worked on a recipe that I see as capable of launching you to rock star status with your friends and loved ones. It is the perfect add-on to veggie burger night, your new go to appetizer or a filling and fun lunch paired with a biggie salad.
Polenta is a good friend in your arsenal if you are seeking gluten free options. It has protein derived from its starches, offers carotene and vitamins for some nutritional value. Polenta is a corn meal and comes from both white and yellow and mixed variations. Look for organic polenta for the healthiest approach. Prepare for greatness my friends.
Photo BY: S. Duquet
Polenta Fries w/Basil Sea Salt & Marinara
By S. Duquet
Inspired by Karen. Thank you Karen
Ingredients
1 18 ounce package of organic prepared Polenta (You will find this non refrigerated in the Italian aisle of most major grocery chains. It comes in a roll that looks like Jimmy Dean sausage)
1 Tsp olive oil
More than a dash…maybe a dump of cracked black pepper
Basil Sea salt to taste
Basil Sea Salt
In mortar and pestle pulverize 1 tsp sea salt and 2Tbsp chopped fresh basil. This will make more than you may need so save it to dress up your next dish.
Make It Happen
~Preheat oven to 400 degrees
~Unwrap roll of polenta. Cut in half then cut halves in half. Cut into slices that look like fries.
~Put in a bowl and toss very lightly with oil and spices. You will break a few and that is okay.
~Put in single layer on baking sheet and add a smidge more salt and pepper if you would like.
~Bake for 20 minutes then flip for maximum beauty and browning.
~Cook for 6-8 more minutes or desired doneness.
~Put on a paper towel or brown paper bag to absorb some of the residual oil.
~Serve with marinara sauce for deafening applause from your fans.
Photo BY: S. Duquet
This dish made us go wild. We were the opposite of speechless…talking about it like it was a national, cataclysmic event. Good for you fries that are so creamy inside with a deeply satisfying crunch that are a cinch to whip up. They were delicious and it made me happy to enjoy them. Yum.
Compassionate consumption that is easy peasy for a Monday or any day.
Have a delicious day.
Polenta nutrition information from: Health and Nutrition Tips
Tags: compassionate eating, cooking with herbs, dairy free, going veg, healthy fries, Meatless Mondays, plant based diet, polenta, polenta fries, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan recipe, vegan side dish, vegan wannabe, vegetarian recipe, vegetarian side dish
February 17th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Oooh this sounds awesome! I never cook with polenta and I would never think to make it into fries but they look delicious. I can’t wait to try this, especially with the basil salt.
February 18th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Melissa Dion, hautegoat. hautegoat said: sounds yummy! RT @mgonyeo: Polenta Fries w/Basil Sea Salt http://bit.ly/fjaYf6 […]
February 20th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Stephanie, these are positively craveable. If you look at them in the oven before the time is up you will be convinced that they will never get crispy because they will look soggy. Alas, a little bit longer and they will be crispy on the outside and creamy dreamy on the inside.
February 21st, 2011 at 11:56 am
Serving these up tonight to the Grow Team. Thanks for the inspiration!
February 21st, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Yeah Amy,
They are going to love them. Remember to continue to let them brown in the oven and they will be as crispy as a french fries. Enjoy and please let me know how they are received.