| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins – 15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 470 kcal | 22g | 5g | 61g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 29g | 4g | 11g | 0.84g |
Nothing takes me back to my Cuban roots quite like a plate of delicious, freshly made Cempedak Fritters. As the familiar aroma fills my kitchen, it’s almost as if I’m transported back to my grandmother’s busy kitchen in Havana. Not traditionally Spanish or Cuban, these sweet treats have a tropical-tinged flavor that adds a spark of excitement to any classic Caribbean meal or tapas spread. I love sharing this recipe with friends and family, and it’s my pleasure to share it with you right here.
The Tropical Twist:
The star of these fritters is the Cempedak fruit, also known as Jackfruit. This tropical fruit is packed with vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and other essential nutrients, making it a delicious and healthful addition to your diet. Even though this recipe calls for deep frying, the nutritional benefits of this fruit still shine through.
A Versatile Delight:
The beauty of these Cempedak Fritters is their versatility. They could be a decadent breakfast, a midday snack, or even a unique dessert option for a dinner party. They remind me of Spanish Buñuelos or the Cuban Frituras de Malanga in texture and form, but have a distinct flavor profile due to the sweet and subtle flavor of Cempedak. Try serving them alongside simple savory tapas dishes like Patatas Bravas or Pimientos de Padrón to balance the sweetness and add depth to your meal.
Of course, no party food is complete without a refreshing beverage. I recommend pairing these fritters with a tropical cocktail. A mojito or a Light ‘n Stormy would be my picks. Even a cool, fruity sangria would do this dish justice, enhancing the tropical feel of a beautiful Miami evening.
One bite, and I promise you’ll have that little salsa in your taste buds. Enjoy, my fellow Gourmet Gurus!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 1/4 cups Milk
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 Cempedak Fruit (also known as Jackfruit), seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 cups Vegetable Oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup Confectioners’ Sugar, for dusting
Method
Step One
First, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a large bowl. This will ensure there are no lumps and the ingredients are well combined.
Step Two
Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the milk and crack the two large eggs into the well. Whisk together the wet ingredients slowly incorporating the dry ingredients until a smooth batter is formed. This is your fritter batter.
Step Three
Prepare the Cempedak fruit by making sure they are properly seeded and cut into approximately 1-inch pieces.
Step Four
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep saucepan to approximately 350°F or 175°C. This provides the perfect temperature for frying the fritters.
Step Five
Dip each piece of Cempedak fruit into the fritter batter, making sure to coat it fully. Carefully drop the coated fruit into the hot oil.
Step Six
Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remember to turn the fritters occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step Seven
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat this process with the remaining fruit and batter.
Step Eight
Finally, dust the hot Cempedak fritters with confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Cempedak fritters!
