Polenta Chips

To start, bring a large pot of vegetable stock (or water) to a boil, along with olive oil, few tablespoons of vegan parmesan, salt,  herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together to create a flavourful base for the polenta. Gradually add the polenta while continuously whisking to ensure a smooth texture without any lumps. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more herbs or salt to suit your preference. Remove the rosemary from the pot.

Next, line a tin with baking paper and pour the cooked polenta into it, smoothing the surface. Place the tin in the fridge for about an hour to allow the polenta to set. This chilling process helps the polenta solidify, making it easier to cut into chips later on. Once the polenta has set, remove the tin from the fridge and carefully tip the solidified polenta onto a wooden board. Now comes the fun part—cutting it into chips! You can choose to cut them into thick chips for a hearty snack or thin fries for a lighter option. Use a sharp knife to create even slices, ensuring that each chip is of similar thickness.

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit). Arrange the cut polenta on a lined baking tray, ensuring they are not too crowded, as this allows for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Sprinkle the chips with salt and the remaining vegan parmesan to add an extra layer of flavor. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After the initial 20 minutes, carefully flip the chips over using a spatula or tongs. This helps to ensure both sides of the chips become golden brown and crispy. Continue baking for another 20 minutes until the chips are beautifully crisp and golden.

Once your polenta chips are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They should be delightfully crunchy on the outside with a tender, creamy center. Serve your homemade polenta chips with a dipping sauce of your choice to enhance the flavor even further. Whether it’s a tangy tomato salsa, a creamy garlic aioli, or a spicy chipotle mayo, the choice is yours. The combination of the crispy chips and the flavorful sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to satisfy your snack cravings.

These polenta chips make a fantastic side dish or a tasty snack for any occasion. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional fried potato chips, as they are baked instead of fried. The use of instant polenta makes them quick and convenient to prepare, while the added flavors in the stock and the vegan parmesan elevate them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Plus, you can customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, adding herbs and spices of your choice to create a flavor profile that excites your palate.