I had a fright the other day. I looked at the calendar and realised that we were just mere days away from Spring. “Why the alarm?” You might ask. Spring signals warmer weather and that means filmy, pretty dresses and then comes Summer which is…cue dramatic music duh duh dum…
Bikini weather!
Gorgonzola
I’ve been revelling in Winter, like a pig in mud I’ve been a indulging in stews, puddings and all sorts of delectable sweets. I’ve been feasting on poutine and foie gras in Canada and revelling in chicken in bread sauce in Sydney. I have paid no attention to the scales (actually we don’t have any which is deliberate as it can become an obsession) and now find myself in the precarious position of trying to down salads in this cold weather. I’ve tried steamed vegetables but these always seem to be pipped by lovely roast potatoes. In fact there has been a bit of a chip revival at Chez Elliott.
Enough was enough, I had to get serious. I couldn’t quite give up the taste of oven baked chips but they needed to be healthier. That’s when I recalled having these lovely polenta chips with a gorgonzola dipping sauce at Bloodwood and decided to make my own low fat version. Of course the gorgonzola dipping sauce is not low fat , I’m working on one miracle at a time darlings, but the sauce is optional extra and a truly optional one. The chips are absolutely perfectly seasoned and moreish just the way they are. Mr NQN preferred them without the sauce and scoffed an ungodly amount.
Another reason why I love these is because I always have a box or bag of polenta lying around. I think almost every kitchen does. You know, when you buy it for say making a pizza base crunchy or making cookies and find yourself with a massive amount of it left. I also got a big box of goodies from Barilla and it included a three minute polenta. I also love it as can be made ahead of time, popped into the fridge and then cut up and baked just before you need them. They are best when they are baked fresh to order, much like fries.
So tell me Dear Reader, do you have any tips on how to get ready for bikinis?
Polenta Fries (Low Fat) with Gorgonzola Dipping Sauce
An original recipe by Not Quite Nigella
- 2 cups low fat milk
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 1 1/3 cups polenta (I find the superfine tends to clump so medium coarseness is best)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 tablespoons oil for greasing and brushing
Gorgonzola dipping sauce (ok this is not low fat)
- 50grams/1.5 ozs gorgonzola blue cheese
- 1/2 cup cream
1. Grease a medium sized swiss roll tin or similar rectangular tin with sides. In a large heavy based saucepan, heat milk , salt and stock until almost boiling. Meanwhile grate the cheese and measure the polenta out. When the milk and stock are almost boiling, take a large whisk and whisk in the polenta adding it in a steady stream, do not add in one lot. Stir until cooked. I used Barilla instant polenta so it took three minutes but cook it for as long as the directions tell you to. Add in cheese and stir until combined.
2. Spread out into prepared tin using a spatula smoothing it over. Cool and then place in the fridge to set for an hour or two (or overnight).
3. When ready to bake, line two baking trays with greaseproof paper. Preheat oven to 220C/440F. Cut out chip shapes in the polenta and carefully place on the lined baking tray. With a brush, lightly brush over with the oil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes until you get some lightly charred bits.
4. Meanwhile, while it is baking, make the gorgonzola sauce. It only takes about 5 minutes. Heat a small saucepan on medium heat and crumble the gorgonzola into it and stir and cook it until it becomes quite soft. Add the cream and stir constantly until it becomes a smooth sauce. Serve this alongside the polenta chips.
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98 Comments | Add your own
I’ve made similar polenta fingers and they were really crispy and yummy! My tip for the bikini season is try and stay balanced the whole year around
Oooeee! I LOVE this, Lorraine!! What a perfect dipping sauce for these scrumptious fries.
Groan…how to get ready for bikini weather? Liposuction…sigh..
I’ve never cooked polenta before, let alone as chips. Something new to add to my list of things to try, thank you!
Low fat fries? I could totally get into that.
. As far as I know, the only way to look good in a bikini is to starve… for a year.
I am the wrong person to ask dieting tips from though
*kisses* HH
they look great Lorraine- I love Polenta chips. I am dreading the warmer weather too, for the same reason- I have been walking everyday but didn’t go yesterday so will have to get back on the bandwagon ASAP. I’m not really one for exercise but I really can’t stop eating so I have to do something.
I really hope they carry that here in Texas. I would love to make those.
Chips make an occasional revival at my house too, lol! These look like the perfect healthy alternative, Lorraine!
Polenta is the new potato, I see these chips in heaps of menu’s lately
my bikini is about to be put away for the year–neener neener.
love these fries, lorraine–they look perfect!
Great idea, Lorraine! I love anything corn-related. Thanks for making these baked too
. I can feel less guilty and thus eat more of them, right?
ooh- i think i can eat these.
yey!
i’m addicted to sweet potato fries at the moment. and also the fries from madam char char in surry hills- they have an really tasty herb and spice mix on them. drool. sorry, forget i told you about them.
stop eating so much crap and hit the gym 6x a week?
These look superb Lorraine- and gorgonzola dipping sauce really makes them special.
Oh yum. Yum.
And I know that fear. I have felt it too. Damn you good food and fun! This needs to stop.
I’m breaking up with good eating. x
I mean… I’m breaking up with indulgent eating.
Oh, do I even know what I’m saying?
I just mean… I need to lose weight!
Would you believe it, I’ve never cooked polenta! But yes, I share the horror of having to get into a bikini soon, don’t wanna!
Believe me Lorraine, with the warm weather just around the corner my bikini is already out of the wardrobe. Now I just have to tidy up those ‘side burns’ I’ve developed over winter. BTW the polenta chips with gorgonzola look amazing!
Oh I love this combination.
Thanks to two c-sections my bikini days are gone… but I’m hoping not to get mistaken for Moby Dick this year by seeing a personal trainer 2 mornings a week for some tough love. Oh and I’ve stopped eating scraps seagull-style off my cherubs’ plates!
Hey Lorraine!
I have two great posts on how to get bikini ready in no time at all.
Try: http://mevsthebulge.com/2010/08/26/natalie-carter-talks-burning-fat-fast/
AND
http://mevsthebulge.com/2010/08/19/a-simple-guide-to-being-healthy/
Good luck!
Amanda
oh goodness…salads,salads, and lots of water, but it still doesn’t work!!lol, i love polenta fries and your look superb!! and the dipping sauce, okay i love this , but I will devour it and not think of summer..lol..HUGS!
sweetlife
Gorgonzola is one of my top favourite things ever!! and those fries look so moorish, yum!!
Wow! I have to try these!
I’ve been struggling with spring thoughts for about 6 weeks now…and then I make an osso bucco with mash…and homemade icecream sundaes! Oh dear! Personal trainer and food blogger – my two identities are in eternal combat!
Spring tip! Dates at night instead of chocolate, it’s like eating a piece of chocolate caramel fudge!
Mmmm, anything that has the words “fries & Gorgonzola” in the same sentence is a friend of mine..these look good, so gotta try this little trick. Mmmm, bikini weather (which suddenly takes on a whole new twist to “yah, summer is almost here”)… you do realise we’re all just a little depressed now don’t you dear Lorraine.. Siggh
ARGHH!!! bikini weather is approaching!!! damn why did I eat so much comfort food?… hibernation
These sound yummmmy. How many serves of fries would this make please?
Yum Yum Yum…I have recently discovered polenta chips and absolutely love them…now I want some and I have just had breakfast!!! AS to bikinis…I don’t even go there ha ha!!!
the dip looks great yumy
I’m definitely going to try this! I wouldnt call it diet food but the gorgonzola sauce sounds irresistible!
This looks delightful! Anything with gorgonzola is sure to be a favourite!
xoxo, B
Oh God, having put on loads of weight thanks to the meds on I am, I have to avoid yummy food like chips. But these look like they are even diet-worthy. I also dread the arrival of strappy, skin-bearing clothers, although to be honest, in winter you can always tell you’re putting on or losing weight by how tight your jeans are!
I think I’m in love with this recipe. Gorgonzola and polenta… match made in heaven.
My tip for bikinis? Erm, I’ve never even owned one, so I’m not much help…
These are my absolute favourite at Bloodwood and now I know how to make them at home. Brilliant!
Yum, healthy alternative minus the (optional) dip lol
Thanks for sharing the recipe x
I made some gorgonzola sauce the other day to go with some pasta and was surprised at how burn-y it was on the tongue. So it’s just as well the polenta chips are great without the sauce (though it’s going to take more than low-fat chips to get my bikini bod back!).
Fabulous recipe – definitely going to give them a go.
Have never had polenta fries, TRUE!
But this I-N-S-P-I-R-E-S me to do!
Have recently found St Agur cheese,
So if people are not 100 percent fond of gorgonzola, THIS will certainly please!
Thanks!
ENJOY learning something “simple” and new!
SO what can I say today? WHOO HOO!
those look amazing. i love polenta fries way more than potato. yum!
Oh I had the same stressful revelation the other day, warmer weather just around the corner = can’t hide result of my winter food fest under the layers much longer – Sigh! But thanks Lorraine for a gorgeously tempting recipe
Lorraine, I used to have polenta frita very often back in Brasil…but not with the dipping sauce, which must taste delicious with polenta…looks delicious…will have to try soon
I have a big big of polenta that I bought for a single recipe… **light bulb moment**
And bikini season is just round the corner… looks at own side cushions – miserable!
hi again
your notorious spell checker here…
I noticed you like the word MOORISH, but you spell it MOREISH… not sure why. It comes from the MOORS, and has a long history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moors
cheers. ann
I bravely bought my first bikini ever this week!!! Well, technichally it is a tankini- but that’s still a huge step for me! I figure we’ll be holidaying overseas and those people who may judge me unkindly will probably not see me again anytime soon.
hm. every year i tell myself i’ll do something to prepare for bikini season, and every year i FAIL.
I sit at a desk every day so I am carrying around some extra kilos. I will give this a try.
Kiska, I am a sub editor and I am certain that you are incorrect. MOREISH pertains to an item that causes a desire for more. MOORISH pertains to the Moors people which makes absolutely no sense in this context. The Moors have little to no relevance to this recipe as far as I can see (I have a minor in history).
Those fries might be low fat, but that sauce….Heavenly!
You had me fooled: I seriously thought those chips were made with spuds! Nevertheless, these look deliciously savory and moreish.
I love the sound of these polenta fries and they sound fantastic with the Gorgonzola sauce, yum!
You’ve read my mind. I’ve been meaning to make some kind of baked fries made from grains. I was thinking chickpea flour. Think that would work with your gorgonzola dipping sauce?
mmmm yummmm!! I think the gorgonzola sauce would just about kill me though!
I try not to think about bikini season.. I eat as healthy as I can, go to the gym many times a week and lose zero kgs! When you love food like I do, you sometimes have to sacrifice that svelte figure!
We’ve done this with grits, and they were awesome. Polenta and grits make perfect substitutes for potatoes when you make fries!
Oh my!! These look wonderful. I am so going to try these. Thanks for the low-fat option. Just amazing!!
I too lament the passng of winter with all it lovely goodness all wrapped up in puddings and stews. However, I am now finding that I need to turn to Spring. The good news is Winter is only a year away. Hoorah!
These look very very yummy – especially with the gorgonzola sauce (gorgonzola is one of my weaknesses). Fortunately or unfortunately for me, bikini weather is now gone and I am gearing up for a long winter!
So scrumptious! I really love that dipping sauce. Yummy!
Cheers,
Rosa
They look really wonderful, nice alternative to fatty chips. Hmmmm bikini, what is that?
I love Polenta Fries (Low Fat) with Gorgonzola Dipping Sauce. Presentation is very impressive .This yummy stuff make me more hunger.
Reading this recipe actually makes me happy we are approaching cold weather.
Just wear a one piece swimsuit with a caftan over it.
Ah Lorraine, you’ve done it again!! How did you know I was going through major ‘a whole winter of eating’ remorse!
Thanks for the recipe.
SSG xxx
Hmmm, I am intrigued! I’ve never tried this before, so will definitely give this a go! Thanks for the recipe, Lorraine!
I opened this post and guess what i was eating???? polenta fries…. scary!! I made a batch the other night and was nibbling on the last few when I opened the link on your email. I make mine slightly differently. I use water instead of milk, no stock. But I add a clove of crushed garlic, fresh rosemary and of course the all important parmesan. And if I’m feeling naughty I add a tablespoon of butter…. Mine are always very yummmy but I will definitely be trying your recipe very soon…. may be tonight :0)
Oh and absolutely no hints on bikini bod preparation here, it will be autumn again before I’m ready to put one on !!!
The fries look DELICIOUS! We don’t have that Barilla Polenta here…am jealous!
Alas… I can’t even find a good time for a tankini moment, much less a bikini moment… *sigh* the trials and tribulations of a foodholic!
How fun! And what a coincidence. I made these last month from a recipe in Donna Hay. (They were not low fat though.) Thought they were delicious, but haven’t posted them yet.
Now I’ll try yours, Lorraine.
YUM YUM AND YUM!
That looks really,really good!
What a fantastic idea – I love that you were inspired by a restaurant dish to make your own healthy alternative.
thanks for the alarm!! yeah.. have to start eating healthy too.. thanks for the great recipe to start ‘healthy food journey’!
They look delish, and I think the gorgonzola dipping sauce is really a must – if there is the option to combine gorgonzola with a meal then this must be done!
Tips for bikini bods???? Not really my strong point. But my motto is eat everything that is fresh in large quantities (and I include cheeses, pates, seafood etc. in this category), drink lots of water, and enjoy walks in the springtime sun daily. After this one may not have Jennifer Hawkins bod, but will have a pretty healthy one and a beautiful smiley face!
I’m downing salads lately too & have given up my regular oven-baked chips so will definitely have to give these a go!
Love Polenta!!! i like it soft,cheesy, with some spicy shrimp concoction on top!!like they do in new orleans.
As for Bikini season ….sigh…
invest in the best cover up you can!!
These look delicious! I’ve found that if you use white polenta they look more like potatoe chips too, but I’ve never thought of making a gorganzola sauce to go with them – what a fabulous idea!
I lurve Gorgonzola, just can’t get enough of it so I have to buy it very seldomly.
My family aren’t really big fans of polenta but I think that they would like these Polenta Fries.
Tips for Summer and the Beach, eat healthy most days but give yourself a day off a week and keep as active as possible.
Is it wrong to crave this for breakfast!? No?
Good! Because i’m sitting here with my cup of coffee wishing i could have a few of these polenta fries right now.
Great idea. I’m loving the fact that I live in country with such a rubbish climate I never have to worry about bikini weather! Even while in the water, at the beach or in the pool I’m aways well covered!
how to get bikini ready? My tip…go to the gym 5-6times a week all year round and only eat ‘naughty’ food for 2-3 meals on the weekend, eating ultra healthy the rest of the week.
Oh wow how exciting does that sound??
Praise polenta!! I actually get polenta chips at Jamie Oliver’s Italian here quite often and they’re so good. The sauce seems to change, but last time it was a lemony herby aioli from memory.
My only bikini tip (other than the obvious – salads and attempting to actually use my running shoes) is fake tan, and lots of it! It seems to cover a multitude of sins when you’ve forgotten to prepare months in advance.
Briony xx
I love polenta. Use it all the time in winter as it provides the comfort of mashed potatoes, but is much easier to prepare. These fries look amazing! Wish I could have some now. It’ll be ok for me to make a gorgonzola dipping sauce too as winter is fast approaching here.
I have a question: Does the parmesan cheese get whisked into the milk and stock at the same time as the polenta or after? cheers Laura
I prefer one-piece suits. It hides more! LOL
Plus, in black, it does look ever so chic.
hi lorraine!
like like like this post! i had polenta chips a few weeks and my goodness they were yummy!
Oh my gosh, this look delicious! And so beautiful! Your photographs are gorgeous.
http://www.prettygoodfood.com
I’ve recently launched my own blog, I’d love for you to check it out and let me know what you think
Thanks, and Happy Cooking!!!
omigoodness i can’t wait to try this – you’re a genius!! i love polenta chips! i went to laruche in brisbane and had them with a spicy salsa (maybe less fattening than gorgonzola? hehe) which was delicous. can’t wait to try this recipe!!!
Polenta is one of those things i stay away from. I think i have just had pretty bad polenta. But this has changed my mind. They look soo ‘real’. I cant wait to try them….
Oh if you didn’t tell me they were low fat they’d be perfect
Ohh these sound like the perfect healthy alternative to fatty chips though I love indulging on them every so often. I am so dreading summer, my weight has fluctuated again due to all this cooking and eating indulgently in winter =(
Low fat schmo-fat! I’m a full-fat girl!
But I’m going to try this out because I like crispy polenta. And blue cheese.
I’m so glad I didn’t miss this recipe. I absolutely love that you baked polenta sticks.
The sauce is certainly the bonus.
I may just try putting some Greek yogurt with it ;o)
Thanks for this great idea.
Claudia
i love polenta fries~~ and that dip is to die for >.<"
Mmmmmm polenta chips are so so good, but naughty, so it’s good to have this lower fat alternative if you are able to resist the amazingness of gorgonzola.
Getting your body ready for bikinis again usually involves turning teetotaller as well as eating healthy and exercising. Boo
(also, I have to agree that we use MOREISH when something is super delicious like these fries, and we want more more more, and MOORISH if it refers to being from the Moors)
Hello Lorraine!
What lovely polenta fries these are!! They look pretty & fabulous! I also love the way you presented them with the salt & the lovely dipping gorgonzala suace!!
MMMMMMM,…divine food!
Kisses from Brussels!
This shud be shocking good!
mmmm, those look really yummy!! Will have to try and see if the little ones will like them as well…
how do i get ready for bikini season??? move to the northern hemisphere so i have back to back winters
These fries look yummy! I’ll have to try them! (Never mind the fat in the Gorgonzola dip. As long as it’s delicious)!
Hi Lorraine,
So you did it again! I tried this recipe 2 nights ago and was very happy with the result. And I think it was my first time to ever cook polenta, so had very little expectations.
Loved loved loved it! And the gorgonzola dip was also very good, though I find it a little overpowering, so I am going to use the gorgonzola dip left over with some pasta. Yum! Thanks for this recipe!
that looks fabulously delicious!
I used to visit a local restaurant to have this served as an entree with salad until they took it off the menu
.
After cooking polenta the other night and ending up with far too much (you don’t want to know) I decided to try this. I used philedelphia low fat cooking cream to reduce a little of the fat and served on mixed salad leaves. I was in heaven.
How to beat the bikini blues? Move to california, it’s getting cold her, just become a snowbird and move with the weather. Can’t wait to try the chips, had something similar in San Francisco, love gorgonzola
Wow – i literally just finished making them, however being lactose intolerant, i substituted the milk with soy milk and used organic polenta and organic vegetable stock – also seasoned the polenta with hot paprika. ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS – however wasn’t able to have the sauce, so made a delicious guocamole instead -YUMMO!
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[...] two pasta and two sauce, apron, pasta tin, grissini sticks, Mulino Bianco, instant polenta (to make these polenta fries with gorgonzola sauce!) and a pizza kit! Plus Barilla are also currently running a store promotion wherein if you buy two [...]
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