Paparajotes - Crispy Lemon-Infused Spanish Delight

Ingredients

• 10 fresh lemon tree leaves 10 fresh lemon tree leaves
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving Vanilla ice cream, for serving
• Honey, for drizzling Honey, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 10g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the lemon tree leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Dip each lemon tree leaf into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the coated leaf into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, approximately 1-2 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Remove the fried leaf from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Repeat the process with the remaining leaves.
8. 8.
   Once all the Paparajotes are fried, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
9. 9.
   Serve the Paparajotes warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemon tree leaves — Ensure that the leaves are fresh and free from any pesticides or chemicals. If you cannot find lemon tree leaves, you can substitute with lemon zest to infuse the batter with lemon flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the Paparajotes to ensure a crispy texture.
• Serve the Paparajotes immediately after frying for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the Paparajotes in the oven instead of deep-frying them.
• Experiment with different toppings such as chocolate sauce or fruit compote to add variety to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Paparajotes warm as a dessert or a sweet snack. The combination of the crispy exterior, tangy lemon, and sweet accompaniments creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Paparajotes on a serving platter, dust them generously with powdered sugar, and place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Drizzle honey over the Paparajotes and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant presentation.