Bacon And Sage Polenta Fries

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 bacon slices, cut into thin strips
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups instant polenta
• 1 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped sage leaves
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup fine semolina or polenta (cornmeal)
• Oil for shallow-frying
• Parmesan, to serve

1. Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat, fry the bacon for about 10 minutes, or until very crisp and almost dark brown in color.
2. Drain the bacon on paper towel.
3. Once the bacon is completely cool, chop with a knife or use a food processor to blitz into coarse crumbs.
4. Heat the stock in a large saucepan over a medium-high heat to a rolling boil.
5. Using a wooden spoon, stir the stock as you rain the polenta into it.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir continuously for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed and the polenta is very thick.
7. Add the Parmesan, herbs and bacon crumbs, then stir until fully incorporated.
8. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
9. Pour the polenta into a lightly greased 7 x 12 3/4 baking tin.
10. Spread the polenta evenly, using a wet spatula or your hand, smooth and press down firmly.
11. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours or until it sets.
12. Cut the polenta into 1/2-inch sticks about 3 1/4 inches long.
13. Place the semolina in a shallow bowl.
14. In batches, toss the polenta sticks in the semolina to coat evenly, shake off any excess and place on a tray ready for frying.
15. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a frying pan over a high heat.
16. Add the polenta in batches and do not overcrowd; fry for 2-3 minutes each side or until golden.
17. Remove and drain on paper towel; season with salt while hot.
18. Transfer to a serving bowl and grate a generous amount of Parmesan cheese on top.

olive oil, bacon, vegetable stock, instant polenta, thyme, sage, salt, fine semolina, shallow, parmesan

Taken from www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/bacon-and-sage-polenta-fries/ (may not work)