Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of bitter leaf, finely chopped
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder, cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper.
2. Add the chopped bitter leaf to the dry ingredients and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water and beaten egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Once the oil is hot, use a tablespoon to scoop the batter and drop it into the hot oil.
7. Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Repeat the process until all the batter is used up.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for frying
Serving size:
- Makes about 20 fritters
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 75
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornmeal can be substituted with semolina or rice flour.
- Bitter leaf can be substituted with kale or spinach.
Variations:
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the batter for extra flavor.
- Add chopped shrimp or crab meat to the batter for a seafood twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Serve the fritters hot for the best taste and texture.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the fritters on a platter with a dipping sauce on the side.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Coleslaw
- Green salad
- Fried plantains
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the batter is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
- If the fritters are not crispy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is not too hot to prevent it from splattering and causing burns.
- Use caution when handling hot oil.
Food history:
- Bitter leaf fritters are a popular snack in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
Flavor profiles:
- Bitter, savory, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a snack or appetizer.
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Region: West African