Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chopped ham
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 1/4 cup chopped Swiss cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
3. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in chopped ham, pickles, and Swiss cheese.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
6. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop batter into the hot oil, about 1 tablespoon at a time.
7. Fry fritters until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove fritters from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20 fritters
Nutritional information:
Calories: 80
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of ham, you can use cooked bacon or sausage.
- Instead of Swiss cheese, you can use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Instead of pickles, you can use chopped olives or jalapeños.
Variations:
- Add chopped scallions or red onions for extra flavor.
- Make a dipping sauce with mayonnaise, mustard, and honey.
- Serve fritters with a side of Cuban black beans and rice.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when frying the fritters to prevent them from sticking together.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure the fritters are all the same size.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat fritters, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange fritters on a platter and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of paprika.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of sparkling wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of Cuban black beans and rice or a simple green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the fritters are not crispy enough, increase the oil temperature and fry them for a little longer.
- If the fritters are falling apart in the oil, add a little more flour to the batter to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when frying with hot oil to prevent burns.
- Make sure the fritters are cooked through before serving.
Food history:
Medianoche Fritters are a twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, which is typically made with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on sweet bread.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, salty, and slightly tangy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Cuban