Parmesan Polenta Bites with Rocket & Grape

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Parmesan Polenta Bites are a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The crispy polenta is rich and savory from the Parmesan, while the rocket adds a peppery kick, and the grapes provide a refreshing sweetness. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious bite that’s visually striking and full of contrasts. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a special snack, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup instant polenta (or cornmeal)

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1 cup rocket (arugula), roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved (red or green)

• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduction (optional, for drizzling)

• Fresh herbs, like basil or thyme (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the polenta:

   • In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the salt, then gradually add the polenta, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the polenta thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.

   • Once the polenta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish or a shallow pan and spread it evenly. Allow it to cool and set for about 30 minutes.

2. Cut the polenta into bites:

   • Once the polenta has cooled and firmed up, use a knife or cookie cutter to cut it into small squares, rounds, or other bite-sized shapes, depending on your preference.

3. Pan-fry the polenta bites:

   • Heat a small amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the polenta pieces in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Remove the bites from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

4. Assemble the bites:

   • Arrange the crispy Parmesan polenta bites on a serving platter. Top each bite with a few leaves of rocket (arugula) and a halved grape. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for added sweetness and richness.

5. Garnish and serve:

   • Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or thyme, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy these savory-sweet bites while they’re still warm and crispy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 20-25 bites

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)

• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

• Cheese variation: You can experiment with other cheeses, such as goat cheese, ricotta, or feta, for different textures and flavors.

• Fruit options: If you prefer a different fruit, try using figs, pears, or apples in place of grapes for a different taste.

• Herb variations: Swap the rocket for other fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley to change the flavor profile.

• Vegan version: To make these bites vegan, substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Parmesan Polenta Bites are best served fresh, while they’re crispy and warm. If you have leftovers, store the polenta bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness. Assemble the bites with rocket and grapes just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make the polenta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the polenta in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Once set, you can cut it into shapes and fry it as needed.

2. Can I bake the polenta instead of frying it?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the polenta bites at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

3. Can I use a different type of grain instead of polenta?

If you want to experiment with other grains, you could try using couscous or quinoa, though the texture won’t be quite the same. Polenta provides a smooth and creamy base that crisps up nicely when fried.

4. Can I add more toppings to these bites?

Absolutely! You can add additional toppings like crumbled bacon, roasted nuts, or a drizzle of honey for a different flavor profile.

5. How do I make sure the polenta is crispy?

The key to crispy polenta bites is making sure the polenta is well-cooked and set before frying. Also, fry the bites in batches, ensuring the oil is hot enough to create a crispy crust without overcooking.

6. Can I use frozen polenta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen polenta if you prefer, but make sure to thaw it completely before slicing and frying.

7. Can I make these bites gluten-free?

Yes, polenta is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe perfect for those on a gluten-free diet.

8. How can I make these bites spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the polenta or use a spicy variety of rocket. You can also add a few slices of jalapeño or drizzle some hot sauce on top.

9. Can I use store-bought polenta?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked, store-bought polenta. Just slice and fry it until golden and crispy.

10. Can I serve these bites as a main dish?

While they make a great appetizer or snack, you could serve a larger portion of these polenta bites with a salad or additional vegetables to make a light main course.

Conclusion

Parmesan Polenta Bites with Rocket & Grape are a flavorful and elegant appetizer that’s easy to prepare and full of contrasting flavors. The crispy, cheesy polenta base, paired with the peppery rocket and sweet grapes, makes for a satisfying bite that’s perfect for entertaining or a special snack. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bites are sure to impress with their sophisticated taste and delightful textures.

Parmesan Polenta Bites with Rocket & Grape

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Parmesan Polenta Bites with Rocket & Grape are an elegant appetizer that combines crispy Parmesan-infused polenta with peppery rocket (arugula) and sweet grapes, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including cooling time)
• Yield: 20-25 bites
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Cooking, Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 1 cup instant polenta (or cornmeal)
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup rocket (arugula), roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved (red or green)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduction (optional, for drizzling)
• Fresh herbs, like basil or thyme (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the salt, then gradually add the polenta, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until smooth.
2. Once cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Allow to cool and set for 30 minutes.
3. Cut the set polenta into small squares, rounds, or other bite-sized shapes.
4. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the polenta pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Arrange the crispy polenta bites on a serving platter. Top each with a few leaves of rocket and a halved grape. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or thyme and serve warm.

Notes

• For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Use figs, pears, or apples instead of grapes for a different flavor.
• For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on the polenta before frying or use a spicy variety of rocket.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought, pre-cooked polenta, slicing and frying it directly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bite
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg