Crispy Shrimp Fritters with Spiced Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

In this Libyan adaptation, we infuse the Spanish classic Soldaditos de Pavía with the vibrant flavors of Libyan cuisine. While the original recipe uses cod, we substitute it with succulent shrimp, a popular seafood choice in Libya. Additionally, we incorporate Libyan spices and flavors into the batter and the dipping sauce, giving the dish a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Soldaditos de Pavía, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined 500g (1.1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) sparkling water 1 cup (240ml) sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the spiced dipping sauce: For the spiced dipping sauce:
• 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, and cayenne pepper.
2. 2.
   Gradually pour in the sparkling water while whisking until a smooth batter forms. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
3. 3.
   In the meantime, prepare the spiced dipping sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, and carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove the shrimp fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the crispy shrimp fritters hot with the spiced dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before dipping them into the batter to ensure the batter adheres well.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of chili powder to the batter.
• Serve the fritters immediately after frying to maintain their crispiness.
• If you prefer a thicker dipping sauce, add a tablespoon of tahini or mayonnaise to the yogurt mixture.
• Experiment with different spices in the dipping sauce, such as garlic powder or smoked paprika, to customize the flavors.
• If you don't have sparkling water, you can use regular water, but the batter may be slightly less airy.

Serving advice

Serve the crispy shrimp fritters as an appetizer or as part of a larger Libyan feast. They pair well with a fresh salad or as a filling in a pita bread sandwich.

Presentation advice

Arrange the shrimp fritters on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve the spiced dipping sauce in a small bowl alongside the fritters for dipping.