Madurese Tomato Fritters

Ingredients

In the original Italian recipe, the fritters are typically made with a combination of tomatoes, flour, eggs, and herbs. However, in this Madurese adaptation, we incorporate local spices and flavors to enhance the dish. The Madurese version may also include additional ingredients such as shallots, garlic, and chili peppers to add a touch of heat and depth to the fritters. We alse have the original recipe for Frittelle di pomodori, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) rice flour 1/4 cup (30g) rice flour
• 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 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, 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, all-purpose flour, rice flour, shallots, garlic, chili pepper, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Take a spoonful of the tomato mixture and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Repeat until the pan is filled with fritters, but make sure not to overcrowd.
4. 4.
   Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
5. 5.
   Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Repeat the frying process with the remaining tomato mixture.
7. 7.
   Serve the Madurese Tomato Fritters hot with a tangy dipping sauce of your choice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Remove the seeds before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the fritters.
• Rice flour — Rice flour adds a light and crispy texture to the fritters. If unavailable, you can substitute it with cornstarch or additional all-purpose flour.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more chili peppers to the tomato mixture.
• Serve the fritters with a side of sweet chili sauce or tamarind chutney for a burst of tangy flavor.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure a crispy exterior.
• If the fritters absorb too much oil, place them on a wire rack instead of a paper towel to allow excess oil to drip off.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the fritters.

Serving advice

Serve the Madurese Tomato Fritters as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a tangy dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritters on a platter, garnished with cilantro leaves. Serve them alongside the dipping sauce in small bowls or ramekins. The vibrant colors of the fritters and the aromatic herbs will make for an enticing presentation.