Nsenene Delight

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) grasshoppers 200g (7 oz) grasshoppers
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) cornmeal 1/2 cup (60g) cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the grasshoppers by removing their wings and legs.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and beaten egg.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the milk and egg mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
5. 5.
   Add the cleaned grasshoppers to the batter and gently mix until they are well coated.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Carefully drop spoonfuls of the grasshopper batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. 8.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
9. 9.
   Serve the Nsenene fritters hot with a spicy dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Grasshoppers — Ensure that the grasshoppers are thoroughly cleaned by removing their wings and legs before using them in the recipe. This will help enhance the texture and taste of the fritters.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the batter.
• Serve the Nsenene fritters with a side of fresh lemon wedges for a tangy twist.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as chili sauce, tamarind chutney, or garlic aioli.
• For a healthier alternative, you can bake the fritters in the oven instead of deep-frying them.
• If grasshoppers are not readily available, you can substitute them with other edible insects like crickets or mealworms.

Serving advice

Serve the Nsenene fritters as an appetizer or snack. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. Provide a variety of dipping sauces to accompany the fritters and encourage guests to try different flavor combinations.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Nsenene fritters, serve them on a bed of lettuce leaves or banana leaves. This adds a touch of authenticity to the dish and creates an appealing visual contrast. Sprinkle some paprika or chili powder on top for an extra pop of color.