Recently I came up with a fun dish 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. It was inspired by my friend Karen who is a foodie through and through. 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.
Polenta Fries w/Basil Sea Salt & Marinara
(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
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.
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 any day of the week. Have a delicious day.
Sherry Duquet | FacebookSherry is on a mission to inspire others to join in her journey to change the world, one meal at a time. As a long time vegetarian and vegan newbie, Sherry launched a compassionate living blog Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe where she welcomes meat-a-tarians, vegans and anyone interested in creating change with their choices and voices.
Photo credit: S. Duquet
