Slovak-style Mandoca

Ingredients

In this Slovak-style Mandoca recipe, we have made a few adaptations to suit the Slovak cuisine. We have incorporated smoked paprika and garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile, which adds a touch of smokiness and depth. Additionally, we have adjusted the cooking technique to achieve a crispier texture on the outside while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior. We alse have the original recipe for Mandoca, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the milk, vegetable oil, and water to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined and a thick batter forms.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, shaping them into small fritters. Fry until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
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 Slovak-style Mandoca warm as an appetizer or side dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the fritters.
• Smoked paprika — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use regular paprika instead.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-tasting vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as canola or sunflower oil.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add finely chopped onions or grated cheese to the batter.
• Serve the fritters with a side of sour cream or a tangy tomato salsa for dipping.
• To make the fritters spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure a crispy exterior.
• Leftover fritters can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Slovak-style Mandoca as an appetizer or side dish. Arrange the fritters on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the fritters on a bed of lettuce leaves or alongside a colorful salad. You can also sprinkle some smoked paprika or grated cheese on top for an extra visual appeal.