On December 2 we celebrate National Fritters Day a day to celebrate, the flavours of sweet fritters, apple, banana, or pumpkin and for savoury options, there are corn, zucchini, or cheese. However, you might find recipes that include ingredients like fruits, vegetables, cheese, or even meats, all coated in a batter and fried until crispy. Did you know that fritters are easy to cook, and they exist in different forms in cuisines worldwide? They can be sweet or savoury also they can be an appetizer, dessert, or entrée.
History of National Fritters Day
The Name Fitters was started back in 1665. However, Samuel Pepys, a British Member of Parliament during the Restoration period in England, wrote in one of his diary entries that he would be enjoying some fritters before Lent. Also, it was believed that fritters were first consumed by the ancient Romans, who later introduced them to Europe.
Moreover, Fritters are used in many cuisines where the French beignets, Italian “bignè”, and Greek “loukoumades” are examples of fritters.
Did you know that the custom of coating food in batter and frying it was introduced to Japan by the Portuguese and Spanish in the late 16th century? Some traditional Japanese cuisine is tempura – deep-fried shellfish, fish, and vegetables.
Similarly, the Indian pakora is a savoury deep-fried cake containing meat or vegetables such as cauliflower and eggplant which is considered as the tastiest food. Fritto misto is an Italian fritter-like dish of several types of food, usually seafood, dipped in batter and fried in olive oil.
Also, did you know that another specialty is the flower fritter, which is deep-fried edible flowers like acacia, elderflower, and squash blossoms?
Fritters are easy and cost-effective to make also you can find fritters at restaurants, county fairs, and even on the street. Did you know that the most famous fritters you can find in the U.S. are corn fritters?
However, in the South, traditional corn fritters are made of melted butter, milk, flour, egg, and corn kernels also they can be baked, shallow-fried, and deep-fried, and are served with cream, honey, fruit, or jam.
| 1500s (New Techniques) | The batter-frying technique was introduced to Japan by the Portuguese and Spanish in the late 16th century. |
| 1665 (Fritters Go on Record) | The first known record of fritters is written by Samuel Pepys. |
| 1780 (The Steam Mill was Erected) | In the 1780s, during the Industrial Revolution, the first steam mill was erected in London, making flour production easier. |
| 2012 (The Fritter Fest is Born) | Whangarei District Council in New Zealand starts their annual Fritter Festival. |
Receip Corn Fritters
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
- Oil for frying
How to make:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Add the corn, onion, and parsley (if using) to the dry ingredients.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick and lumpy.
- Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm, either as a side dish or as a snack. Enjoy with a dipping sauce or a dollop of sour cream if you like!
5 Facts About Flour
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Flour is prehistoric- The earliest archaeological evidence for flour dates to 6000 BC when wheat seeds were crushed between basic millstones.
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It has vitamins- In the 1930s, producers began to add iron, niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin into flour.
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Wheat is best for baking- Flour made from wheat grains is the most satisfactory type for baked products that require a spongy structure.
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There are many types- There are nine different types of wheat flour: cake flour, pastry flour, plain or all-purpose flour, bread flour, hard flour, gluten flour, unbleached flour, and self-raising flour.
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Corn flour is ancient- Corn flour has been cardinal in Meso-American cuisine since ancient times and it remains a staple in the Americas.
Conclusion
National Fritters Day on December 2nd is a perfect opportunity to celebrate with delicious, crispy fritters. Whether you enjoy sweet options like apple or banana fritters, or savoury varieties such as corn or zucchini fritters, it’s a fun way to indulge and try something new. Making fritters at home can be a rewarding and tasty experience, so gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savour the crispy delights
FAQs
What are fritters?
Fritters are bite-sized pieces of food, often mixed with a batter, and deep-fried until crispy. They can be sweet or savoury and include a variety of ingredients like fruits, vegetables, cheese, or meat
Can fritters be baked instead of fried?
Yes, you can bake fritters more healthily. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through.
What are some common dipping sauces for fritters?
Common dipping sauces include sour cream, yogurt, ketchup, aioli, or spicy salsa. You can also experiment with different sauces based on the flavour profile of your fritters.
Can I use gluten-free flour for fritters?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make fritters. Be sure to check the blend’s consistency and adjust the amount of liquid in the batter if needed.
Also, read more about National Cranberry Relish Day – November 22, 2024
