South Australian Fritter

A Taste of Tradition: The South Australian Fritter

South Australian Fritters are a delightful treat that bring together the rich culinary history of the region with fresh and flavorful ingredients. Traditionally made with a blend of locally sourced produce and spices, these fritters reflect the melting pot of cultures present in South Australia, combining influences from British, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines. This dish is perfect for any time of the day and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or a main course when paired with a light salad.

Ingredients

• Corn - 2 cups
• All-purpose Flour - 1 cup
• Egg - 1 large
• Milk - 1/2 cup
• Zucchini - 1, grated
• Spring Onion - 2, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Chilli Flakes - 1 tsp
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Olive Oil - for frying
• Sour Cream - for serving
• Lemon - wedges for serving

Preparation

Begin by preparing the corn. If you are using fresh corn, carefully remove the kernels from the cobs. Otherwise, simply drain canned corn or thaw frozen corn. Place the corn kernels in a large mixing bowl.

Grate the zucchini using a coarse grater. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent the batter from becoming too watery.

Finely chop the spring onions and mince the garlic, then add them to the bowl with corn and zucchini.

Making the Batter

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg with milk until well combined.
2. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients by sifting in the flour gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Ensure the corn mixture is fully coated.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. Mix until all the ingredients are fully combined into a slightly thick but pourable batter.

Cooking Process

Prepare for frying by setting your workspace with a frying pan, olive oil, a spatula, and a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You'll want enough to just cover the base of the pan, as the fritters should shallow fry evenly.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully spoon in portions of the corn mixture to form patties, being cautious of the hot oil. Flatten them gently with the back of the spoon for even cooking.
3. Cook each fritter for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden by checking with a cooking timer. You may need to adjust the heat if they brown too quickly.
4. Once cooked, use the spatula to transfer the fritters to the prepared plate to drain.

Enjoying Your South Australian Fritters

Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. These fritters pair beautifully with a crisp side salad or can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats. For a truly South Australian experience, enjoy them with a glass of local wine or a refreshing lemonade on a warm day.

Whether you're enjoying these fritters as a midday snack or a light dinner, they are sure to delight with their robust flavors and crispy, satisfying texture.

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like cheese, bacon, or fresh herbs to put your own twist on the traditional South Australian Fritter.