Calas with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cooked rice 2 cups (400g) cooked rice
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornmeal 1/4 cup (30g) cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the milk and green onions to the bowl and mix until well combined.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Drop spoonfuls of the rice batter into the hot oil, frying them in batches until golden brown on all sides.
5. 5.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Serve the Calas warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Use cooked rice that has been cooled down. Leftover rice works perfectly for this recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter.
• Serve the Calas with a side of hot sauce or a tangy dipping sauce for added zing.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure a crispy exterior.
• If the batter feels too dry, add a little more milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Calas warm as a delicious breakfast option or as a delightful snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Calas on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an appealing presentation. Serve them alongside a small bowl of dipping sauce to enhance the visual appeal.