South Sudanese Spinach Fritters

Ingredients

While Saheena from Trinidad and Tobago cuisine is made with taro leaves, South Sudanese Spinach Fritters adapt the recipe by using fresh spinach leaves instead. The spices and seasonings are also adjusted to reflect the flavors commonly found in South Sudanese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Saheena, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (300g) fresh spinach leaves, finely chopped 2 cups (300g) fresh spinach leaves, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, onion, garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and gradually pour in the water. Stir well until a thick batter forms.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Drop spoonfuls of the spinach batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. 5.
   Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Serve the South Sudanese Spinach Fritters hot as a snack or appetizer.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves before chopping them. Remove any tough stems and use only the tender leaves for the fritters.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Serve the fritters with a tangy tamarind chutney or a refreshing mint yogurt dip.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the fritters in the oven instead of frying them.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the fritters to your liking.
• Leftover fritters can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster oven for a quick snack.

Serving advice

Serve the South Sudanese Spinach Fritters as a delicious appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritters on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of ground cumin. The vibrant green color of the fritters will make them visually appealing.