Crispy Polenta with Mozzarella, Parmesan & Roasted Tomato Marinara
With Mazola® Corn Oil
SERVING SIZE
4 to 6 SERVINGS (2 POLENTA CAKES PER SERVING)
TOTAL TIME
1 HOUR
SKILL LEVEL
INTERMEDIATE
Ingredients:
Crispy Polenta:
- 1 tube (24 ounces) precooked polenta
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 3 to 4 cups Mazola Corn Oil
- 1/4 cup milk OR buttermilk
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
Roasted Tomato Marinara:
- 2 tablespoons Mazola® Canola Olive Oil Blend
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 teaspoon leaf oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon petite capers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 3 to 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil for garnishing, optional
Instructions:
- Slice polenta into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Heat 1/2-inch Mazola Corn Oil in a deep-sided skillet over medium heat to 300° to 325°F.
- Place a cooling rack on a baking sheet and position next to the stovetop.
- Combine flour and salt in a shallow bowl.
- Lightly beat eggs and milk in a second shallow bowl.
- Pour panko bread crumbs into a third bowl.
- Dip each polenta cake in the flour, turning to coat and tapping off excess.
- Then dip in the eggs letting the excess drip off; press into the panko crumbs coating well.
- Carefully add polenta cakes to the oil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding. Transfer the cooked polenta cakes to the cooling rack.
- To make marinara, heat Mazola RightBlend Oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in basil, garlic, oregano and sugar.
- Stir in tomatoes and capers; reduce heat to low.
- Season with salt and pepper; cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- To serve, place crispy polenta cakes on plate, top with Roasted Tomato Marinara Sauce and cheeses. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
