Polenta Fries With Blue Cheese Dip Recipes

POLENTA FRIES

Steps:

• Bring 7 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan. Combine 4 cups of the hot water and the milk in a heatproof bowl (the bowl should fit over the saucepan). Gradually whisk in the polenta and 2 teaspoons salt. Cover the bowl tightly with foil and set over the simmering water; do not let the bowl touch the water. Cook until very thick, 20 minutes. Meanwhile, brush a 9-inch square baking dish with olive oil.
• Stir the cheese and butter into the polenta. Spread in the prepared dish and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Slice the chilled polenta into eighteen 4 1/2-by-1-inch sticks and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the sticks with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake until golden, 30 to 35 minutes, turning halfway through.

BLUE CHEESE POLENTA FRIES

Steps:

• Combine water, salt, pepper, and butter, and bring to boil. Slowly, in a thin stream, whisk in the cornmeal. When it starts to bubble turn off heat or it will splatter (the mix is very hot at this stage and can burn). Stir with wooden spoon, partially cover and leave on the warm stovetop, stirring every few minutes so it does not stick, for 30 minutes. When thick, remove from warm stovetop, and add cheese, garlic, and cilantro. Mix well. Pour into a 1 by 8 by 12-inch sheet tray or baking dish. Smooth out the mixture until it is level. Chill until firm, about 2 to 3 hours.
• Preheat the canola oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
• Cut polenta in strips, about 1 1/2 by 3 inches. Lightly bread the polenta "fries" with cornmeal. Deep fry in hot oil for 2 to 4 minutes or until crispy.

POLENTA FRIES WITH BLUE CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, bring the milk, water, butter, salt and pepper to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil; slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon for 15-20 minutes or until polenta is thickened and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan., Stir in the Gouda cheese, basil and thyme. Spread into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Refrigerate for 1 hour., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, blue cheese and cream cheese; chill until serving., Cut polenta into 3-1/4x1/2-in. strips. Place flour in a shallow bowl. Dip polenta in flour; shake off excess., In a large skillet, cook polenta in oil in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve with dip.