Cape Verdean Rice Fritters

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cooked rice 2 cups (400g) cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Carefully place the rice balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. 5.
   Once the fritters are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Serve the Cape Verdean Rice Fritters hot as a snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Use cooked rice that has been cooled down. This helps in binding the ingredients together and prevents the fritters from becoming too mushy.
• Onion and garlic — Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the fritters.
• Paprika and cumin — Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of chili powder for a spicier kick.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the fritter mixture for an extra burst of freshness.
• Serve the fritters with a tangy dipping sauce like a garlic aioli or a spicy tomato salsa for added flavor.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
• If the fritters are not holding their shape, you can add a tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind the ingredients together.
• Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Cape Verdean Rice Fritters as a snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Cape Verdean Rice Fritters on a platter or serving dish. Sprinkle some paprika or cumin on top for a visually appealing presentation. Serve with a side of dipping sauce and garnish with fresh herbs.