Benne Balls with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) sesame seeds 1 cup (240ml) sesame seeds
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, beaten 1 large egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 19g, 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
3. 3.
   Add the toasted sesame seeds to the dry ingredients and mix well.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and beaten egg.
5. 5.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick batter forms.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
7. 7.
   Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the Benne Balls from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sesame seeds — Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the Benne Balls.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Serve the Benne Balls with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a spicy mayo or a zesty tomato salsa.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the Benne Balls to your liking.
• Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to ensure a crispy exterior and a fully cooked interior.
• These Benne Balls can be made in advance and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Benne Balls as an appetizer or snack. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Benne Balls on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an attractive presentation.