Polenta Fries (Gluten-Free, Vegan Recipe) - Elavegan (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat polenta if you are gluten-free? ›

Since polenta is derived from corn, it is naturally gluten-free making it the perfect choice for those with a gluten intolerance.

Great-tasting, nourishing, and incredibly versatile, polenta (coarse cornmeal cooked with liquid) is every plant-based eater's best friend.

Polenta is made of ground cornmeal, water, butter, salt, and pepper. When baked into fries, it gets crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it the perfect potato alternative for homemade fries. Parmesan cheese. Parmesan adds tons of delicious, cheesy flavor to these healthy fries.

Polenta is cornmeal made from ground flint corn. Typically, it's coarsely ground yellow corn, but sometimes it's finely ground yellow or white corn.

Surprisingly, polenta (which is none other than yellow cornmeal) is a powerful source of antioxidants like phenolic compounds, which can help reduce inflammation.

It's gluten-free. Polenta is made from corn, making it a gluten-free ingredient that offers all the nurturing, heartiness, and satiety of comfort food dishes that often contain gluten, such as pasta or bread.

While polenta is high in starchy carbs, it has a medium GI of 68, meaning it shouldn't raise your blood sugar levels too quickly. It also has a low GL, so it shouldn't cause your blood sugar to spike too high after eating it ( 6 ).

Polenta is high in protein and fiber, but compared to rice, pasta, or potatoes, it's much lower in calories and fat, yet still provides a source of complex carbs that are much-needed for energy. So, why not to try polenta out for your next meal?

Differences between cornmeal and polenta

Cornmeal is made by grinding dried corn kernels – yellow, white or blue – into fine, medium and coarse textures, while polenta is made from a specific variety of corn called flint corn. Polenta also has a coarser texture than most types of cornmeal.

Polenta is a healthful food choice with several nutritional benefits. Polenta may be good for health as it contains fiber and protein. It is also rich in complex carbohydrates, low in fat, and more. Polenta is cooked cornmeal that can be eaten as a side or used in a variety of recipes, from bread to desserts.

Why do Italians love polenta? ›

Polenta -- simmered cornmeal -- is one of Italy's most popular staple foods. Prized for its versatility, it can be paired with both savory and sweet flavors. Polenta comes in many forms; it can be chewy, gluey, crispy or extremely creamy.

Coarse grinds make a firm, coarse polenta; finer grinds make a soft, creamy polenta. Polenta is a staple of both northern and, to a lesser extent, central Italian, Swiss Italian, southern French, Slovenian, Romanian and, due to Italian migrants, Brazilian and Argentinian cuisine.

People with coeliac disease can safely eat many common plants, seeds, grains, cereals and flour, including corn, polenta, potatoes, rice and soya. However they should avoid barley, wheat, rye, couscous and semolina as they contain gluten.

What Is the Difference Between Polenta and Semolina? As polenta is made from corn, it's gluten-free. Semolina, on the other hand, is coarsely ground, high-gluten durum wheat used to make pasta, cakes, and breads. Photo by Getty Images.

Made with coarse stone-ground cornmeal, polenta is often referred to as “Italian grits.” Like grits, polenta is a hearty porridge with a grainy texture. Polenta originated in Northern Italy where it was essential to many peasant and working class families—a simple yet satisfying dish.

Processed in our dedicated gluten free facility, Gluten Free Yellow Corn Polenta makes a delicious bowl of porridge and can also be used for the classic Italian dish polenta.

Cornmeal is also gluten-free. Cornmeal is a coarse flour made from maize, (i.e. corn). Just like cornflour, it's important to look for labeled gluten-free cornmeal whenever possible, as cross-contact can easily occur during manufacturing. Hominy is a product of corn and is gluten-free.

Polenta contains both protein and fiber to help a person feel full. Fiber is also recommended to keep the digestive system functioning properly, to feed healthy gut bacteria, and to prevent constipation.

Ideal for gluten free and grain free cooking, polenta can be used to create sweet and savory recipes that eaters of all ages will enjoy.