Polenta with cheese, breaded

Polenta with Fried Cheese: A Delicious, Simple, and Quick Appetizer

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Frying time: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes (excluding cooling time)
Servings: 4-6

Polenta with fried cheese is a traditional dish that combines textures and flavors, offering a comforting taste. This recipe is perfect for serving as an appetizer, but it can also make a light, flavorful dinner. It is a dish that has been cherished over time, providing an affordable and delicious option that evokes memories of family meals and warm moments.

Ingredients:

- 500g cornmeal
- 200g sheep cheese (or your favorite salty cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 150g breadcrumbs
- Palm oil or another high smoke point oil for frying

Ingredient details:

- Cornmeal: Choose a quality cornmeal, preferably fine, which will cook evenly and have a creamy texture.
- Sheep cheese: This has a strong flavor that pairs perfectly with the polenta. If you prefer a milder option, you can use feta or mozzarella cheese.
- Oil: Palm oil is ideal for frying due to its stability at high temperatures, but sunflower or canola oil are also excellent options.

Preparing the polenta:

1. Boiling the polenta: In a large pot, add 1 liter of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt and gradually pour in the cornmeal, stirring continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent lumps. Continue stirring for 10-15 minutes until the polenta thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

2. Adding the cheese: Once the polenta is ready, remove it from the heat and stir in the crumbled sheep cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the polenta. This will add a delicious flavor and creamy texture.

3. Layering: Prepare a rectangular baking dish (approximately 20x30 cm) and lightly grease it with oil. Pour a layer of polenta into the dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Add a layer of cheese, then another layer of polenta, ensuring the top layer is also polenta. Cover with aluminum foil and let it cool for a few hours or, ideally, overnight.

Preparing for frying:

4. Cutting the polenta: Once completely cooled, invert the polenta onto a platter or a clean surface and cut it into thick slices, about 1 cm.

5. Beating the eggs: In a bowl, beat the two eggs with a fork. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

6. Dipping in egg and breadcrumbs: Take each slice of polenta and dip it in the beaten egg, then in the breadcrumbs, making sure it is evenly coated on all sides.

Frying:

7. Frying the slices: In a deep skillet, heat the oil until hot (test with a small piece of polenta; it should sizzle immediately). Fry the breaded polenta slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Serving:

Polenta with fried cheese is served warm, either plain or with a yogurt sauce with dill and garlic, which adds a refreshing note. You can also try pairing it with a light green salad or sautéed vegetables.

Tips and variations:

- For a more intense flavor: Add some herbs like dill or parsley to the polenta.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors. Goat cheese or cheddar can add a unique twist.
- Sides: Fried polenta can also be paired with sauces like spicy tomato sauce or mushroom sauce.

Nutritional benefits:

Polenta is an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy, while the cheese adds protein and calcium. This dish can be included in a balanced diet, but it's advisable to be mindful of portion sizes, especially due to the oil content.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with any type of cheese you prefer, but make sure it is salty to balance the taste of the polenta.
- How can I make the polenta less soft? Ensure you use quality cornmeal and allow the polenta to cool sufficiently before cutting.
- Is it possible to prepare the polenta in advance? Absolutely! Polenta can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it an excellent dish for meal planning.

Polenta with fried cheese is more than just a recipe; it’s a family story, a taste memory, and a culinary experience. Savor every bite and share this delicacy with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!