| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 295 | 16g | 5g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 4g | 5g | 1.23g |
I am delighted to present to you one of my personal favorite dishes – Crispy Daylilies Tempura. This culinary creation is an exciting fusion of the traditional Japanese dish, Tempura, and a distinctive Southern twist. Inspired by my Atlanta roots and my heritage’s vibrant Nigerian flavors, I’ve transformed the humble daylily into a gourmet delight.
The Magic of Afro-Southern Fusion
What makes this recipe truly worth the effort is the beauty of Afro-Southern fusion, a testament to my journey as a food enthusiast. Although daylilies are most famously used in East Asian recipes, they grow abundantly in the Southeastern United States. Given this, I found it fitting to feature this flower in a distinctly Southern context – tempura. There’s a certain comfort that is associated with frying dishes, the warmth echoing my early experiences in my Atlanta home, accompanied by the fresh, sweet flavors of assorted fruits bringing just the right touch of West African charm.
Healthful and Delicious
Not only does the Crispy Daylilies Tempura make a delightful, palate-pleasing dish, but it also carries considerable health benefits. Daylilies are an excellent source of Vitamin C and can boost your introspective spirit with their bright color and interesting texture. The diverse mix of fruits also adds a hefty dose of natural sweetness, along with an array of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
Although frying can sometimes carry a reputation for being less ‘healthy’, using frying methods wisely like in this recipe, and the use of high-quality oils, can contribute to a wholesome meal. Adding some powdered sugar for dusting lends an occasional indulgence, reminding us that food, besides nourishing, can serve as pleasure and celebration.
This recipe bears similarities to the traditional Japanese Tempura and could work beautifully alongside other Afro-Southern influenced dishes such as Jollof Rice or a rich, comforting bowl of Collard Greens. Imagine hosting a dinner party where your guests are treated to each of these exquisite, unique dishes – a truly memorable culinary extravaganza that binds continents together.
So, why do I love this Crispy Daylilies Tempura recipe? Possibly because it embodies my own story, encapsulates a wealth of cultures, and most importantly, brings joy to those I share it with. And above all, it tastes absolutely delicious.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of Daylilies, fresh and cleaned
- 1 medium Banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup of Strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/2 cup of Kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup of Mango, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup of Blueberries
- 1 cup of Tempura Batter Mix
- 1 cup of Cold Water
- 3 cups of Vegetable Oil, for deep-frying
- 1 cup of Powdered Sugar, for dusting
Method
Step One
Prepare the tempura batter mix according to the instructions on the package. This usually involves mixing it with the cold water until it attains a runny consistency. Set this aside.
Step Two
Next, clean your daylilies thoroughly and pat dry. Slice your banana, peel and slice the kiwi, hull and half the strawberries, peel and cube the mango, and clean the blueberries.
Step Three
Preheat your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. The temperature of the oil should reach around 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying. Be careful to avoid overheating the oil.
Step Four
Dip the daylilies and the prepared fruits into the tempura batter. Ensure the fruits and flowers are fully coated with the batter. Gently shake off any excess batter before frying.
Step Five
Carefully drop the battered fruits and flowers into the heated oil. Fry them in batches to avoid crowding. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes till golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn the tempuras for even browning.
Step Six
When golden brown, remove the tempuras using the slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the other batches.
Step Seven
Finally, dust the freshly fried crispy daylilies and fruit tempura with powdered sugar. Depending on your preference, you can do a light or generous dusting of the sugar. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy daylilies tempura!
