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Crispy Parmesan Polenta Rounds Recipe

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4.5 from 313 reviews

Crispy Parmesan Polenta Rounds are a delightful appetizer or side dish featuring creamy polenta infused with garlic and onion powder, enriched with Parmesan cheese, then pan-fried to a golden crisp and finished in the oven for extra crunch. Garnished with fresh herbs, these rounds offer a satisfying combination of creamy and crispy textures with a savory, cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Polenta Base

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Cooking and Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
  • Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil Vegetable Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil to prepare the cooking liquid for the polenta.
  2. Mix in Cornmeal: Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of cornmeal, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming and to ensure a smooth texture.
  3. Season and Cook Polenta: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens.
  4. Incorporate Butter and Cheese: Remove the polenta from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon butter and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined, giving the polenta a rich flavor and creamy consistency.
  5. Set the Polenta: Pour the polenta mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Let it cool for approximately 30 minutes until the polenta is firm enough to cut.
  6. Preheat Oven: While the polenta sets, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for finishing the rounds.
  7. Cut Polenta Rounds: Once firm, cut the set polenta into rounds using a cookie cutter or a glass to create uniform shapes.
  8. Fry Polenta Rounds: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the rounds for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden and crispy exterior.
  9. Bake for Extra Crispiness: Transfer the fried rounds to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to enhance their crisp texture.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the polenta.
  • You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • Ensure polenta is completely set before cutting to maintain the shape during frying.
  • Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking while frying the rounds.
  • These rounds can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish paired with salads or roasted vegetables.

Keywords: Polenta rounds, Parmesan polenta, crispy polenta, fried polenta, Italian appetizer, vegetarian snack

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/crispy-parmesan-polenta-rounds-recipe/