Ingredients

• 1 cup polenta (note: you can buy 5 minute polenta to speed up recipe)
• 5 cups chicken stock (or use water)
• 100g - 1 cup Parmesan cheese (plus a little for grating on top)
• 60g or half stick of butter
• 2 tbs olive oil
• Vegetable oil (enough for frying)
• Salt & pepper
• Basil aoli - see recipe here or use bought mayonnaise with fresh basil

Steps

• Step 1

  In a heavy bottomed pot, add the chicken stock and bring to the boil.

• Step 2

  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

• Step 3

  Using a whisk, slowly add the polenta and whisk vigorously as you rain it in.

• Step 4

  Once polenta is thick, turn down the heat on your smallest jet and leave for 30 minutes, mixing with a wooden spoon every 5 minutes. If using 5 minute polenta, keep stirring for 5 minutes only. (Check directions on packet for more accurate times)

• Step 5

  Grate the Parmesan cheese. Keep aside.

• Step 6

  Cut up the butter in pieces and add to hot polenta, mix until melted. Turn off heat.

• Step 7

  Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.

• Step 8

  Lightly oil the baking dish, spread oil to coat evenly and drizzle enough polenta to line the dish. Tip out any excess.

• Step 9

  Add all the polenta to the baking dish in a few scoops.

• Step 10

  Cover with cling film and using your hands, flatten the polenta evenly ensuring it’s firmly packed from corner to corner and level.

• Step 11

  Refrigerate for 60 minutes.

• Step 12

  Remove cling film an flip over onto chopping board to unmould.

• Step 13

  Trim off edges with a knife.

• Step 14

  Slice into your preferred chip sizes but not too thin. Thicker rectangles are easier.

• Step 15

  Place the oil in a deep frying pan or a pot (or use deep fryer) and heat to 370°F-190°C.

• Step 16

  Fry until brown and crisp. (note: keep them separated and moving using a heatproof utensil as they tend to stick together.

• Step 17

  Once cooked, drain on paper towel.

• Step 18

  Place on serving dish and grate some Parmesan cheese over the top. Place dipping sauce (aoli) and serve hot.

Little Tips

You can mix bought mayonnaise with chopped or blended basil for your dipping sauce. Just add a little garlic.
You can prepare them in advance and reheat them in the oven.
You can also grill or bake them for a healthier option, they just won't be crispy.