Crispy Puerto Rican Cala Fritters

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) taro root, peeled and boiled 2 cups (400g) taro root, peeled and boiled
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, mash the boiled taro root until smooth.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and milk to the mashed taro root, and mix well.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the taro root mixture, stirring until a thick batter forms.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
6. 6.
   Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon.
7. 7.
   Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve the Cala fritters hot with your choice of dipping sauces.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Taro root — Make sure to thoroughly peel and boil the taro root until it is soft and easily mashable. This will ensure a smooth texture in the fritters.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the batter.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or tangy tamarind chutney.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the batter.
• Serve the fritters immediately after frying to maintain their crispiness.
• Leftover fritters can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crunch.

Serving advice

Serve the Cala fritters as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of dipping sauces.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Cala fritters on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. Serve them alongside small bowls of different dipping sauces for a visually appealing presentation.