Nigerian > Appetizer

Gari Fritters with Coconut Milk Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of gari (fermented cassava)
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- Vegetable oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Large skillet or deep-fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gari, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and eggs until well combined.

3. Pour the coconut milk mixture into the gari mixture and stir until well combined.

4. Add the chopped scallions and cilantro to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep-fryer to 350°F.

6. Using a tablespoon, scoop the gari mixture and drop it into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet.

7. Fry the fritters for 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 with the remaining gari mixture.

10. Serve the fritters warm with a side of coconut milk for dipping.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
- Oil temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- Makes 20-25 fritters

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornmeal can be used instead of gari.
- Almond milk or regular milk can be used instead of coconut milk.
- Green onions can be used instead of scallions.
- Parsley can be used instead of cilantro.

Variations:
- Add shredded coconut to the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Add chopped shrimp or crab meat to the mixture for a seafood twist.
- Serve the fritters with a spicy dipping sauce for added heat.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure they cook evenly and don't absorb too much oil.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying the fritters to prevent them from sticking together.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil to prevent excess oil from being absorbed.

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 side of coconut milk for dipping.
- Garnish the fritters with chopped scallions and cilantro for added color and flavor.

Pairings:
- Serve the fritters with a side of plantains or sweet potatoes for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Fried plantains
- Sweet potato fries
- Coconut rice

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the fritters are too dry, add more coconut milk to the mixture.
- If the fritters are too wet, add more gari or flour to the mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the fritters thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Gari is a staple food in West Africa and is made from cassava, a starchy root vegetable.

Flavor profiles:
- The fritters have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior with a slightly nutty and tangy flavor from the gari. The coconut milk adds a creamy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the fritters as an appetizer or snack.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: West African

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Sweet, Tangy, Coconutty