Montserrat-style Spiced Tempeh Fritters

Ingredients

In this Montserrat-style adaptation, we infuse the traditional Indonesian tempeh mendoan with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. The original recipe is enhanced with Montserrat's unique blend of spices, giving the dish a distinct Caribbean twist. Additionally, the fritters are served with a tangy dipping sauce that complements the flavors of the spiced tempeh. We alse have the original recipe for Tempeh mendoan, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) tempeh, sliced into thin rectangles 250g (8.8 oz) tempeh, sliced into thin rectangles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced tempeh to the bowl and gently toss until the tempeh is well coated with the spice mixture. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and water until you have a smooth batter.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Dip each marinated tempeh slice into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, and carefully place it in the hot oil.
6. 6.
   Fry the tempeh slices until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. 7.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with a tangy dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tempeh — Make sure to slice the tempeh into thin rectangles to ensure even cooking and maximum absorption of the flavors.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the tempeh.
• Cilantro — Use fresh cilantro leaves for garnish to add a refreshing touch to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mixture.
• Serve the fritters with a side of fresh lime wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as a spicy mango chutney or a tangy tamarind sauce.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• To make the fritters even crispier, refrigerate the battered tempeh slices for 10-15 minutes before frying.

Serving advice

Serve the Montserrat-style Spiced Tempeh Fritters as an appetizer or snack. They can also be enjoyed as a main course alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritters on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an attractive presentation. Serve them with the tangy dipping sauce in a small bowl on the side.