Parmesan Polenta Sticks with Black Pepper Pancetta

Fried polenta sticks with Black Pepper Bacon are the ideal dish for everyone who likes strong flavours and crispy textures. The distinctive, spicy fragrance of Black Pepper pancetta transforms the familiar fried Parmesan polenta sticks into an irresistible gourmet finger food. Ideal for cocktails or buffets or as finger food with pre-dinner drinks.

1. Prepare a square or rectangular container to which you will transfer the polenta once cooked. A small baking tray, an oven dish or a loaf tin is fine. Grease it and set it aside together with a clean spatula.
2. Bring 1 l of salted water to the boil with a tablespoon of oil and 2 teaspoons of salt.
3. Dribble 240 g of polenta into the water, whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Bring back to the boil for a few moments, continuing to whisk. Turn off the heat, add 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese and stir.
5. Pour the polenta into the greased container. Flatten and level the surface of the polenta with the spatula. Leave to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.
6. Once cool, turn out the polenta and cut it into rectangles of 10 cm by 2 cm or your shape of choice.
7. Fry the polenta sticks in boiling oil and place on absorbent kitchen paper to dry.
8. Garnish the polenta sticks while still hot with loosely rolled thin slices of Black Pepper pancetta and a few thyme leaves.