| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 514 | 22g | 3g | 71g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 6g | 9g | 0.16g |
Every so often, I stumble upon a recipe that speaks to my roots and my Texan childhood while also opening up a world of exotic taste exploration. Enter, the incredible Broadleaf Arrowheads Tempura. This vegetable-based delight hails from Japanese gastronomy but finds itself quite at home amongst other Tex-Mex flavors.
Southern Twist on a Japanese Classic
Part of why I adore this Broadleaf Arrowheads Tempura recipe lies in its familiarity yet distinct uniqueness. Much like how I relish in introducing traditional Southern recipes with fresh modern twists, this dish represents those same principles. There’s the fusion of the crisp, comfort food essence typical of Southern cuisine, identifiable in the Tempura cooking technique and the flavor depth found in broadleaf arrowhead tubers. Yet, it surprises your palate with the unexpected sweetness from the powdered sugar and the element of your chosen seasonal fruit.
Flavors that Dance on Your Tongue
This amalgamation of Japanese and Southern flavors creates an experience that dances on your tongue. It is reminiscent of other Southern fried vegetable dishes, and it could work beautifully alongside a zesty, spice-laden main, such as a traditional Tex-Mex chicken enchilada. The Broadleaf Arrowheads Tempura could also make a delightful appetizer, leading the flavor parade for a sushi dinner.
Health Benefits
Beyond its mouthwatering taste, this recipe also packs some noteworthy health benefits. Arrowhead tubers, a popular wetland vegetable in Asia, are rich in dietary fiber, aiding in gut health and digestion. Plus, tempura-battered and deep-fried in sunflower oil, a heart-healthy oil, you can somewhat assuage your deep-fried guilt. So, you not only indulge your taste buds but also honor your body’s nutritional needs. It’s a win-win!
Here’s to finding and crafting recipes that remind us of home but take us on an exciting culinary adventure at the same time. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 18 fresh broadleaf arrowhead tubers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups sunflower oil, for deep frying
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fruit of choice (berries, apple slices, or tropical fruits)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Method
Step One
To start, clean the broadleaf arrowhead tubers under running water. Make sure to remove any dirt or residue on the surface. After cleaning, peel them and slice them into thin, uniform slices.
Step Two
Get a mixing bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, egg, and ice-cold water. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth and slightly thick batter. Season this mixture with the teaspoon of salt.
Step Three
Dip each slice of the broadleaf arrowhead tubers into the batter. Make sure that every side of the slice is coated evenly.
Step Four
Prepare a deep-frying pan and pour in the sunflower oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot enough, carefully drop in the batter-coated slices one by one. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Step Five
Fry the slices until they turn a golden brown colour. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes per side. Once they are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step Six
Lastly, lightly dust with powdered sugar and serve the Broadleaf Arrowheads Tempura with your choice of fruit. Best enjoyed while hot.
