FOOD FUN: Ham & Cheddar Polenta Fries

April 20, 2014 at 7:42 am · Filed under Easter, Recipes

Here’s something fun to make with leftover Easter ham: potato-free Ham and Cheddar Polenta Fries.

The recipe is from QVC’s chef, David Venable. David says, “These polenta fries can be eaten as an appetizer or a side, and can be served with anything from honey-mustard to aioli.”

RECIPE: HAM & CHEDDAR POLENTA FRIES

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 large onion, diced

2 cups milk

2 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoon butter

2 cups yellow cornmeal

4 ounces ham, finely chopped

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cups Cheddar, shredded

Peanut or canola oil, for frying

Not potato fries: They’re ham, cheese and polenta! Photo courtesy QVC.

Preparation

1. HEAT the oil over medium heat in a 5-quart stockpot. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the milk, chicken broth, and butter and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, avoiding any lumps. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. REMOVE the pot from the heat and add the ham, herbs, salt, pepper and cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. SPREAD the cornmeal mixture with a heat-resistant spatula on the surface of a rimmed 9″ x 13″ cookie sheet. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap, put on oven mitts, then evenly press the mixture down, spreading it out to the edges. Refrigerate the covered cornmeal mixture until completely cooled.

4. HEAT the oil in a Dutch oven to 375°F (or, preheat a deep fryer). Flip the polenta out of the cookie sheet onto a large cutting board. Cut the polenta into 1/2″ strips and then cut each strip into 3″ pieces. Fry in batches until deep golden brown. (Adding too many pieces at once can cool the oil down.)

5. DRAIN the fries on paper towels; serve immediately.

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