How to Make Perfect Polenta Squares Recipe

Introduction

Polenta is a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and delicious to eat. This quick-cook polenta recipe yields golden, crispy wedges perfect for air frying and serving with your favorite toppings. It’s a great base for a variety of meals and snacks.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the tin
• 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
• 125g quick-cook polenta
• 40g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, grated
• 25g butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lightly oil and line a 31cm x 23cm swiss roll tin with baking parchment.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and stock, then bring to a simmer.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the polenta while stirring constantly. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated cheese and butter until melted and combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the polenta mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface. Let it cool for 1 hour to set.
6. Step 6: Once set, cut the polenta into 16 to 24 pieces.
7. Step 7: Arrange the pieces in a single layer in your air fryer tray and cook at 200°C for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with your choice of toppings.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option or chicken stock for richer flavor.
• Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cooking stock for extra aroma.
• Try swapping parmesan for other hard cheeses such as pecorino or grana padano.
• For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter and omit the cheese or use a vegan parmesan alternative.
• Polenta can also be grilled or pan-fried instead of air frying for different textures.

Storage

Keep cooked and cooled polenta pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat by air frying at 200°C until crisp and warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can become soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular polenta instead of quick-cook?

Regular polenta requires a longer cooking time and more stirring. For this recipe, quick-cook polenta is recommended to achieve the right texture in a shorter time.

Can I freeze the cooked polenta pieces?

Yes, you can freeze the cut pieces after they have set. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer until golden and heated through.