Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb Caciocavallo Ragusano cheese, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the grated Caciocavallo Ragusano cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
5. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop the cheese mixture into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
6. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture until all the fritters are fried.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 fritters
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Caciocavallo Ragusano cheese can be substituted with any hard, grated cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil to the cheese mixture for added flavor.
- Stuff the fritters with a small piece of cooked ham or prosciutto before frying for a savory twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure the fritters cook evenly and become crispy.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to ensure the fritters are all the same size for even cooking.
- Serve the fritters immediately while they are still warm and crispy.
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 and crispy.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the fritters on a platter and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Garnishes:
Garnish the fritters with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
Pairings:
Serve the fritters as an appetizer with a glass of dry white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the fritters with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the fritters are not crispy, the oil may not be hot enough or the fritters may be too large. Try increasing the frying temperature or making smaller fritters.
- If the fritters are falling apart in the oil, the cheese mixture may be too wet. Try adding more flour to the mixture to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Always use caution when working with hot oil to avoid burns or fires.
- Make sure the cheese mixture is fully cooked before serving to avoid foodborne illness.
Food history:
Caciocavallo Ragusano is a traditional Italian cheese that originated in the Ragusa province of Sicily. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk and has a mild, nutty flavor.
Flavor profiles:
Caciocavallo Ragusano cheese has a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with savory ingredients such as herbs and cured meats.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the fritters as an appetizer or snack with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They can also be served as a side dish or part of a larger meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Crispy, Savory, Cheesy, Salty, Nutty, cheesy, crispy, salty