8ozProvolone, Fontina Swiss or other melting cheese, grated
4ozParmigiano plus more for sprinkling
2tsbpSalted butter
Vegetable oil for frying
For lemon tarragon aioli
1cupMayonnaise
4tspsMinced tarragon
3-4Garlic cloves, mashed then minced
2tbspFresh squeezed lemon juice, or more to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
For polenta fries
In a heavy stainless steel 3-quart saucepan add ½ cup cold water and 4 tsps of chicken base and slowly heat while whisking until the base is dissolved, then add the remaining 3½ cups of cold water and whisk a few more seconds.
Gradually add the cornmeal to the cool stock while continually whisking until all the cornmeal is incorporated. Frequently whisking to make sure the polenta doesn’t stick to the sauce pan and burn, bring the polenta mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to maintain a slow simmer.
Continue cooking and whisking, scraping the inside of the saucepan with a rubber spatula to incorporate any cornmeal that does stick. While cooking, the polenta will bubble and spit.
Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes and test if it’s done. If while cooking the polenta gets too thick and starts to stick to the bottom of the saucepan, add a little warm water. The polenta is done when it’s very creamy and passes the plate test. Keep in mind that it may take longer depending on the grind of the cornmeal.
When done add the butter, Provolone and Parmigiano cheese, whisk until the butter and cheese are well incorporated and remove from the heat.
Pour the polenta into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish or cookie sheet. I like to use a cooking spray for this. Then evenly spread the polenta to about ½ inch thickness and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold. Note that you can prepare the polenta to this point up to two days in advance.
Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet and heat until the oil is hot enough for frying
Using a sharp knife cut the cold polenta lengthwise into ¾ inch wide strips the lengthwise into 4½-inch long sticks.
Working in batches, fry the polenta sticks until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
Remove from the oil and immediately sprinkle with Parmigiano cheese and serve.
For lemon tarragon aioli
Add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk together.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Ideally this should be made a day ahead for optimum flavor.