The distinct dark green color of these tasty fritters is due to the main ingredient, spirulina, a freshwater algae characterized by its dark green, almost black color. Spirulina also has many beneficial properties, such as being rich in essential amino acids, minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, potassium, and it contains high concentrations of vitamins A, B, and C, besides having an excellent balance of both protein and carbohydrates.
Making simple spirulina fritters was really quite fun because the base to create the volume was completely improvised step by step. For these fritters, I chose to use a base of squash blossoms, a zucchini, and a Tropea red onion. I assure you that whatever your base for the fritters, spirulina is so versatile in the kitchen that you can use it with any other ingredient.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 25 Minutes
- Portions: 6
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer
- Energy 172.42 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 24.15 (g) of which sugars 0.74 (g)
- Proteins 5.30 (g)
- Fat 6.74 (g) of which saturated 1.52 (g)of which unsaturated 4.41 (g)
- Fibers 1.17 (g)
- Sodium 149.02 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 86 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.4 cups light beer
- 3.5 oz squash blossoms
- 1 zucchini
- 1 Tropea red onion
- 10 leaves basil
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 0.07 oz salt
- 1 tablespoon Spirulina
- 2 tablespoons Grana Padano DOP
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- as needed peanut oil
Tools
- 1 Frying pan Moneta
- 1 Mixing bowl Pyrex
- 1 Grater Lacor
- 1 Garlic press Fousenuk
- 2 Spoons
- 1 Fork
Steps
To make simple spirulina fritters, first take a bowl large enough where we will first put the flour, then the yeast, the beer and mix vigorously with a fork until a smooth and lump-free batter is obtained.
Let it rest for about ten minutes before adding the main essential ingredient for this recipe, spirulina powder!
Meanwhile, I take the opportunity to clean the squash blossoms by removing the tougher part of the stem and the internal pistil. I grate the zucchini and the onion, which need to be well wrung out with a cotton towel to remove most of the water they contain before adding them to the batter.
Now let’s take the batter again and add the spirulina, chopped garlic, grated vegetables, finely chopped squash blossoms, basil, grated Grana Padano, and extra virgin olive oil.
Finally, but not least, I added the salt in sufficient quantity to adjust the right saltiness, keeping in mind the type of cheese aging that we’ll use grated in the batter.
Now, once again, mix vigorously with a fork or a spoon until you have a soft and well-blended batter.
Lastly, take a non-stick frying pan suitable for frying and fry the fritters in hot peanut oil.
Fry both sides for 3 minutes or until the fritters are golden and crunchy on the outside. Be careful not to overdo it, as inside they should remain very soft and fluffy.
Finally, after frying, let the excess oil drain by setting them aside for a few minutes on a rack or, as I used, a skimmer placed on a sheet of parchment paper to collect the drained oil.
The simple spirulina fritters, crunchy outside and soft inside, are ready.
Serve hot and enjoy from Dadcook!
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
The most frequently asked questions I receive privately on my socials!..
Can I fry the fritters in an air fryer?
Yes, you can fry them in an air fryer or, if you prefer, in a traditional oven to fry as many as possible in a single tray.
Can I use Pecorino cheese instead of Grana Padano?
Yes, you can substitute the grated cheese with the one you prefer. The important thing is that it’s aged to avoid a stringy effect.
Can I make spirulina fritters without vegetables?
Of course, just add spirulina to the batter, and after letting it rise, fry it the same way.
