Istarske Parene Fritule with a Twist

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 250ml (1 cup) milk 250ml (1 cup) milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 10g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
4. 4.
   Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket on top.
5. 5.
   Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the steamer basket, leaving some space between each fritule.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot with a lid and steam the fritule for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
7. 7.
   Remove the fritule from the steamer basket and let them cool for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
9. 9.
   Fry the fritule in batches until they are golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
10. 10.
    Remove the fritule from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
11. 11.
    Dust the fritule generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemon zest — Make sure to wash the lemon thoroughly before zesting to remove any wax or dirt.
• Orange zest — Use organic oranges or wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue.
• Milk — You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk or almond milk.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra flavor.
• Serve the fritule warm with a dollop of Nutella or your favorite jam for a delightful filling.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritule to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a bit of powdered sugar to the batter.

Serving advice

Serve the Istarske Parene Fritule warm, dusted generously with powdered sugar. They are perfect on their own or can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritule on a serving platter and sprinkle some extra powdered sugar on top for an appealing presentation. You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves or a citrus twist for an added touch of elegance.