Savory Carnival Fritters with Cabbage and Carrots:
An Original and Tasty Dish Carnival is a time of celebration and joy, where culinary traditions are shared, and sweet treats and fried foods are enjoyed.
Among the many delicacies that characterize this season, Carnival fritters hold a special place in our hearts.
But if you’re looking for a lighter and more original alternative to the classic sweet fritters, I have the perfect recipe for you: savory Carnival fritters with cabbage and carrots. I still remember the day I made these fritters for the first time. I had no idea what to prepare for an impromptu dinner with friends, and when I opened the fridge, I found cabbage, carrots, and eggs.
Almost by chance, I decided to try making savory fritters, and the result was surprising! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delicate flavor and a touch of color from the mix of vegetables, these fritters won everyone’s hearts.
Since then, I make them every year for Carnival, and they’re always a hit! I love their original taste, their versatility, and how easy they are to make.
Also, they’re a great alternative to classic sweet fritters, perfect for those looking for something tasty yet light. If you’re curious to try them, here’s the recipe!
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 10 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Stovetop, Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, Carnival
- Energy 90.72 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 9.44 (g) of which sugars 1.05 (g)
- Proteins 3.52 (g)
- Fat 4.65 (g) of which saturated 1.86 (g)of which unsaturated 2.72 (g)
- Fibers 0.86 (g)
- Sodium 92.29 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 100 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
- 10.5 oz cabbage
- 2 carrots
- 3.5 oz rice flour
- 1 egg (Whole)
- 8 egg yolks
- as needed egg whites (Leftover)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- as needed sunflower oil
Tools
- 1 Lionnese
- 1 Ball tool
Steps
Thoroughly wash the cabbage under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
Remove the tougher or damaged outer leaves, which might be unpleasant to taste. Cut the cabbage in half and, with a sharp knife, remove the central core, the hardest and most fibrous part.
Now, carefully slice the cabbage into thin slices, aiming for a uniform thickness.
To facilitate cooking and achieve a more pleasant texture, further cut the slices into thin strips. Gather all the cabbage strips in a large bowl, where you’ll start preparing the batter.
Preparing the Carrots:
Wash and peel the carrots, removing the ends.
To obtain carrot strips similar to those of the cabbage, cut them in half lengthwise, and then slice them finely.
This will allow for even cooking of the vegetables, ensuring a balanced and harmonious final result.
Add the carrots to the bowl with the cabbage, ready to be incorporated into the batter.
Preparing the Batter:
In the bowl with the vegetables, add a whole egg. If you want a softer and lighter batter, you can also add the leftover egg whites from the yolks you will use in cooking.
This will make the fritters more airy and fluffy.
Combine the rice flour, which will give the fritters a slightly crunchy texture and a delicate flavor.
Season with a pinch of salt, to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables, and a grind of black pepper, to add a touch of character.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with a whisk or spoon until you get a smooth, lump-free mixture.
Cooking the Fritters:
Heat plenty of sunflower oil in a non-stick pan.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before starting to cook, but not smoking, to avoid burning the fritters.
Using a spoon, scoop a portion of the batter and gently pour it into the hot pan, forming a round and slightly thick fritter.
As soon as the fritter touches the pan, use the back of the spoon to create a small indentation in the center, where you will place the egg yolk.
This little gesture will make the fritters even more inviting and flavorful.
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden and crispy on both sides.
Serving the Fritters:
When the fritters are cooked, drain them with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels, to remove excess oil and make them lighter.
If needed, add a pinch of salt to further enhance the flavors.
Your savory Carnival fritters are ready to be enjoyed!
You can serve them hot, freshly made, to fully appreciate their fragrance and crunchy texture, or cold, as a tasty finger food.
For an extra touch of deliciousness, pair them with your favorite sauce: a fresh yogurt sauce with aromatic herbs, homemade mayonnaise, or a sweet-and-sour mustard and honey sauce.
Enjoy your meal!
Here are some tips for storing and variations of the savory Carnival fritters with cabbage and carrots:Storage:
Consume immediately:
Ideally, these fritters are most delicious when consumed freshly made, hot and fragrant.
Short-term storage:
If there are leftovers, you can store them at room temperature for a few hours, covered with a clean cloth to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigeration:
For longer storage (maximum 1-2 days), place the fritters in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Before consuming, reheat them in the oven or in a pan to make them crispy again.
Variations:
Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the batter, such as grated zucchini, finely chopped onions, diced bell peppers, boiled and chopped spinach, or steamed and chopped broccoli or cauliflower.
Cheeses: Enrich the batter with grated cheese (Parmesan, Pecorino, Gruyere, etc.) or with diced melting cheese (mozzarella, provola, scamorza).
Spices and aromatic herbs: Experiment with different spices and herbs to give a touch of originality to your fritters.
For example, you can add curry, turmeric, paprika, cumin, ginger, chives, parsley, basil, or mint.
Sauces: In addition to classic sauces (yogurt sauce, mayonnaise, sweet and sour sauce), you can try accompanying the fritters with more particular sauces, such as tzatziki, hummus, guacamole, or barbecue sauce.
Shape: Instead of making round fritters, you can use molds to create heart-shaped, star-shaped, flower-shaped fritters, or any other shape you like.
Tips:
For an extra crunch, you can add a handful of breadcrumbs or sesame seeds to the batter.
If you want to make the fritters lighter, you can bake them instead of frying them.
In this case, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
For a more attractive presentation, you can garnish the fritters with parsley leaves, chive tufts, or tomato wedges. I hope these tips are helpful! 😊
And to make these fritters even more special, here are 5 perfect wines to pair them with:
Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG:
The fresh and savory bubbles of Prosecco cleanse the palate of the slight oiliness of the fritters and pair well with the sweetness of the cabbage and carrots.
Vermentino di Sardegna DOC:
An aromatic and savory white, with notes of white pulp fruit and flowers, that balances the delicate taste of the vegetables and the crunchiness of the frying.
Pinot Grigio del Trentino DOC:
A fresh and mineral wine, with notes of citrus and green apple, that pairs well with the savoriness of the fritters and their slightly bitter taste.
Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC:
A sparkling and light red, with notes of red fruits and a pleasant acidity, creating an interesting contrast with the sweetness of the vegetables and the crunchiness of the fritters.
Rosato del Salento IGT:
A fresh and fruity rosé, with notes of cherry and raspberry, that pairs well with the versatility of the fritters and their informal character.
Choose your preferred wine and Bon Appétit!
Cheers 🥂
Cheers 🥂
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Questions and Answers about Savory Carnival Fritters with Cabbage and Carrots.
What type of flour is used for this recipe?
For this recipe, rice flour is used, which makes the fritters light and crispy, also suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can also use peanut oil or olive oil, as long as they are suitable for frying.
What can I use instead of cabbage?
If you don’t have cabbage, you can replace it with savoy cabbage, steamed and finely chopped broccoli or cauliflower.
Can I prepare the fritters in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the fritters are tastier when consumed freshly made.
How can I make the fritters crispier?
You can add a handful of breadcrumbs or sesame seeds to the batter.
Can I bake the fritters in the oven?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can bake the fritters in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
What can I accompany the fritters with?
The fritters go well with sauces like yogurt sauce, mayonnaise, sweet and sour sauce, tzatziki, hummus, or guacamole.
Are these the classic Carnival fritters?
No, these are not the classic sweet Carnival fritters. This is a savory, original, and tasty variant, perfect for those looking for an unusual and fun alternative, also suitable for children. The cabbage and carrots add a touch of color and natural sweetness, while the egg yolk during cooking creates a surprise effect and an even richer taste.
