Crispy Cheese Fritters with a Twist

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) Bitto or Casera cheese, cut into small cubes 200g (7 oz) Bitto or Casera cheese, cut into small cubes
• 150g (1 cup) buckwheat flour 150g (1 cup) buckwheat flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour 50g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg 1 egg
• 200ml (3/4 cup) sparkling water 200ml (3/4 cup) sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and sparkling water.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Take a cube of cheese and dip it into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
6. 6.
   Carefully drop the coated cheese into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Repeat the process with the remaining cheese cubes and batter.
9. 9.
   Serve the crispy cheese fritters hot, accompanied by a dipping sauce or a side of fresh greens.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Buckwheat flour — Buckwheat flour adds a unique nutty flavor to the fritters. If you can't find buckwheat flour, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Bitto or Casera cheese — These traditional Italian cheeses are ideal for their melting properties. If you can't find them, you can use Fontina or Gruyère as alternatives.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure the cheese cubes are well-chilled before dipping them into the batter to prevent excessive melting during frying.
• Use a deep pan or fryer with enough oil to ensure the fritters cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
• Serve the fritters immediately after frying to enjoy them at their best, while the cheese is still gooey and the exterior is crispy.

Serving advice

Serve the crispy cheese fritters as an appetizer or part of an antipasto platter. They pair well with a tangy tomato sauce, a spicy aioli, or a balsamic reduction for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy cheese fritters on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. Serve them alongside a small bowl of dipping sauce and a side of mixed greens for an appealing presentation.