Polenta Fries With Sesame Ginger Yogurt Dip Recipes

POLENTA FRIES

Steps:

• Bring 7 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan. Combine 4 cups of the hot water and the milk in a heatproof bowl (the bowl should fit over the saucepan). Gradually whisk in the polenta and 2 teaspoons salt. Cover the bowl tightly with foil and set over the simmering water; do not let the bowl touch the water. Cook until very thick, 20 minutes. Meanwhile, brush a 9-inch square baking dish with olive oil.
• Stir the cheese and butter into the polenta. Spread in the prepared dish and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Slice the chilled polenta into eighteen 4 1/2-by-1-inch sticks and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the sticks with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake until golden, 30 to 35 minutes, turning halfway through.

FETA YOGURT DIP

Steps:

• Combine feta and yogurt in a large bowl and whisk until well blended. Add lemon zest and juice, olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons dill and 1 1/2 teaspoons mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix until well blended. If not serving immediately, cover and chill until ready to serve.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining herbs, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Serve with watermelon spears.

HUMMUS WITH SESAME

Steps:

• Combine the beans, lemon juice, tahini, cumin and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and incorporated. With the motor running, add the olive oil and sesame oil. Thin with 1/4 cup water or more until the desired consistency. Season the hummus with salt and pepper.
• To serve: Spoon the hummus into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks and pita chips.

CLASSIC MOULES FRITES

Steps:

• In a large Dutch oven or straight-sided 12-inch saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the white wine and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the mussels, cover and steam until open, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the mussels to a large serving bowl.
• Add the creme fraiche, parsley, butter, chives and mustard to the remaining cooking liquid and bring just to a boil while stirring to combine. Pour the sauce over the mussels. Serve with French fries.