Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Leccese cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Large heavy-bottomed pot for frying
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the grated Pecorino Leccese cheese and mix until evenly distributed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and chopped parsley.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F on a deep-fry thermometer.
6. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop the fritter batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
7. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Serve the fritters hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley or grated Pecorino Leccese cheese.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20 fritters
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 90
Total fat: 4g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
- Pecorino Leccese cheese can be substituted with any other hard, salty cheese such as Parmesan or Romano.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the fritter batter for a Mediterranean twist.
- Substitute the parsley with chopped fresh basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the fritter batter for consistent sizing.
- Serve the fritters immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the fritters, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the fritters on a platter with a dipping sauce such as marinara or aioli.
Garnishes:
Garnish the fritters with additional chopped parsley or grated Pecorino Leccese cheese.
Pairings:
Serve the fritters as an appetizer or side dish alongside a salad or soup.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons
- Roasted vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the fritters are not crispy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pot.
- If the fritters are too dense, make sure not to overmix the batter.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil to avoid burns.
- Make sure the fritters are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Pecorino Leccese is a hard cheese made from sheep's milk in the region of Puglia, Italy. Fritters are a popular snack or appetizer in Italian cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
The Pecorino Leccese cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the fritters, while the parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the fritters hot as a snack or appetizer, or as a side dish alongside a main course.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian