Margherum Fritters
History and Background
Margherum Fritters are a delightful fusion dish that combines the classic Italian Margherita flavors with a beloved street food staple, fritters. Historically, Margherita pizza was first created in 1889 to honor the Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, by chef Raffaele Esposito. It featured the vibrant colors of the Italian flag with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Over time, these ingredients have been adapted into various dishes, including our crispy, savory, and flavorful Margherum Fritters.
Ingredients
- Tomatoes - 2 large ripe
- Mozzarella - 1 cup shredded
- Basil - 1/2 cup chopped
- All-purpose flour - 1 cup
- Cornmeal - 1/2 cup
- Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
- Eggs - 2 large
- Milk - 3/4 cup
- Olive oil - for frying
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by dicing the tomatoes into small cubes. Grate the mozzarella cheese or purchase pre-shredded to save time. Chop the basil finely. Make sure all ingredients are ready before you start mixing.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until you form a smooth batter.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add the diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and chopped basil into the batter. Mix gently to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Frying the Fritters
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan, frying a few at a time. Cook each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. You can set a cooking timer to help manage time efficiently. Remove the fritters from the pan and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Serving Suggestions
Margherum Fritters are best enjoyed fresh out of the pan. You may serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or enhance the meal with a simple salad. Adding a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea can elevate the experience, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings.
These fritters provide a charming mix of textures and flavors, from the gooey mozzarella to the fresh basil and sweet-tart tomatoes. They are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or the main event.
Enjoy the harmonious blend of Italian tradition and wood-fired fritter techniques with these irresistible Margherum Fritters.