South African Spiced Cornmeal Fritters

Ingredients

In the original Polish dish, Proziaki, the fritters are made with buckwheat flour and served with sour cream or cottage cheese. In this South African adaptation, we use cornmeal as the base and incorporate a blend of spices commonly found in South African cuisine. The flavors are bolder and more aromatic, reflecting the vibrant culinary traditions of South Africa. We alse have the original recipe for Proziaki, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (150g) cornmeal 1 cup (150g) 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 ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the buttermilk and water to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a thick batter forms.
3. 3.
   Stir in the chopped onion and cilantro, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, shaping them into small fritters. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the South African Spiced Cornmeal Fritters hot with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the fritters.
• Buttermilk — If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, you can double fry the fritters. After the initial frying, let them cool for a few minutes, then fry them again until they become even crispier.
• Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor profile of the fritters. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a hint of sweetness or a dash of curry powder for a more intense flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the South African Spiced Cornmeal Fritters as a snack or appetizer. They are best enjoyed hot and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces or chutneys, such as tomato chutney or mint yogurt sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritters on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve them alongside the dipping sauces or chutneys in small bowls for an attractive presentation.