Crispy Corn Fritters

Ingredients

In the original Portuguese dish, Milho frito, corn is typically pan-fried with garlic and olive oil. However, in this Indo adaptation, we transform the dish into Crispy Corn Fritters by creating a spiced batter and deep-frying the fritters to achieve a crispy texture. The addition of Indo spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili powder gives the fritters a distinct flavor profile, making them a unique and delicious twist on the traditional dish. We alse have the original recipe for Milho frito, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (300g) sweet corn kernels 2 cups (300g) sweet corn kernels
• 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 cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet corn kernels, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, cumin powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, and baking powder.
2. 2.
   Gradually add water to the mixture and stir until a thick batter is formed.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot for frying.
4. 4.
   Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
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 Crispy Corn Fritters hot with your choice of chutneys or sauces.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet corn kernels — If fresh corn is not available, you can use canned or frozen corn kernels. Make sure to thaw frozen corn before using.
• Cumin powder — For enhanced flavor, you can dry roast cumin seeds and grind them into a powder.
• Chili powder — Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, you can add a tablespoon of rice flour to the batter.
• Serve the fritters immediately after frying to retain their crunchiness.
• Experiment with different chutneys or sauces for dipping, such as mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
• Add finely chopped onions or green chilies to the batter for added flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some chaat masala or red chili flakes on the fritters before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Corn Fritters as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of chutneys or sauces for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Corn Fritters on a platter, garnished with cilantro leaves. Serve them alongside small bowls of different chutneys or sauces for a visually appealing presentation.