Crispy Baked Polenta Chips (vegan)

Name: Crispy Baked Polenta Chips
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 300 grams Ready-Made Polenta; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Pepper; 1/2 tablespoon Breadcrumbs; 1/2 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast; Spray Oil; 1/2 Avocado; 1 sprig Fresh Basil; pinch Salt; pinch Pepper; 1/4 Lemon (juiced)

By Shivani Raja / March 13, 2019 July 31, 2019

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This crispy baked polenta chips recipe is super easy to make, and a healthier alternative to fries. Serve with a quick avocado pesto for a light lunch or snack.

You guys loved my polenta cake recipe, so I’m back with another recipe featuring this epic grain: crispy baked polenta chips! They’re quick, easy, healthy and oh so tasty. What more could you want from a side dish/ snack/ breakfast? (okay, I think I went too far…?)

What exactly is polenta?

Polenta is yellow cornmeal. It is made by grinding dried corn, and is often eaten as a ‘porridge’ by cooking it in water. What you may not know, is that chilling this porridge causes it to firm up, so we can make it into chips – yay! And to make things even easier, I’m using ready-made polenta in this recipe (though I have also given instructions for you to make your own if you’d like to).

overhead shot of crispy polenta fries in a bowl with a bowl of avocado pesto on the side

Is Polenta Healthy?

Polenta is a low-fat carbohydrate rich in fiber. If you know me, you’ll know I’m in a long-term relationship with carbs, which doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. However, carbohydrates are essentially sugar molecules, which means that they have the potential to increase your blood sugar levels. Luckily, polenta has a low glycemic index, meaning that it breaks down to sugar less easily in the body than say, white bread. You get me?

I don’ t know if I’d go as far as calling polenta a “superfood” (what even is a superfood these days?!) but it’s definitely one of my favourite grains. And guess what? It’s super cheap! So move aside fancy overpriced quinoa, and step in super affordable and tasty polenta.

overhead shot of crispy polenta fries in a bowl

How to make Baked Polenta chips:

Making your own polenta chips at home couldn’t be easier. All you need is some ready made polenta and a few seasonings, and you’re good to go! This is one of those whack-everything-on-a-tray and chuck it into the oven kinda recipes, i.e. the best kinda recipe for busy people looking for healthy eats. YAY!

I chose to serve my polenta chips with a super quick avocado pesto. You could also make your own traditional-style vegan pesto if you prefer. This dip is made by simply mixing fresh chopped basil, lemon juice and seasonings with some mashed avocado. Zero blender, zero oil, and zero nuts. (So basically not even pesto anymore. But whatever this is, it sure is tasty.)

overhead shot of crispy polenta fries in a bowl with a bowl of avocado pesto

What to serve with Polenta Chips:

Polenta goes with EVERYTHING. Trust me, polenta is the new potato. I love to make these chips to have with black bean burgers for a healthier take on a diner-style meal. Alternatively, you can eat them on their own for a light lunch with some hummus. You could also make a sandwich on the side, cus why not?

I do hope you try this recipe! If you do, tag me on Instagram @shivanilf – I love to see your creations! You can also say hello on Pinterest and Facebook – I hope to see you there!

Shivani xo

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5 from 5 votes