Satisfy your snack cravings guilt-free with these irresistibly crispy Low Fat Polenta Fries! Made with wholesome polenta, these oven-baked fries are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks, featuring a golden-brown crust and a tender, flavorful center. Seasoned with a delightful blend of smoky paprika, zesty garlic powder, and cracked black pepper, they deliver a punch of savory goodness in every bite. A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley adds a gourmet touch, making them perfect as a side dish or a stand-alone snack. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is fully customizable and a great fit for anyone seeking low-fat comfort food. Whether youβre hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick treat, these polenta fries are sure to steal the show!
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
Gradually whisk in 1 cup of polenta. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
Continue cooking the polenta, stirring frequently, until it becomes very thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 20 more minutes.
Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with olive oil cooking spray.
Pour the thick polenta into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Let the polenta cool completely, about 30 minutes, until it sets firm.
Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C).
Once the polenta has set, remove it from the dish and cut it into fries approximately 1/2 inch wide and 4 inches long.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil cooking spray.
Arrange the polenta fries on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
Lightly spray the tops of the fries with olive oil cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the polenta fries.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once midway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, sprinkle 0.25 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the hot fries.
Serve immediately as a delicious side dish or snack.
Calories |
321 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.5 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.8 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 3301 mg | 144% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.0 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 14.6 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 433 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 358 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.