South African Pumpkin Fritters (Recipe)

Pumpkin fritters are a delicious South African dish, and quick to make - like a donut but much tastier. This basic recipe gives ideas for a veggie side dish, a filling and tasty breakfast or snack, and a sugar and spice dessert.  Pumpkin fritters can be sweet or savoury. They are delicious when fried to a golden perfection, covered with sugar and cinnamon and bursting with flavour.

The influences on South African food are wide and varied including Portuguese, Dutch, French, Moroccan and Indian.  Many dishes combine exotic seasoning and aromatic spices, giving them a special South African quality. These delectable fritters are no exception, and this easy recipe is bound to become a favourite with children and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pumpkin, dry (see note below)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (not soda)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• oil (for frying)
• cinnamon sugar, if used

Directions

Put all the dry ingredients in a processor. If not using a processor, put in a mixing bowl, and mix well.

Add the eggs, and process well until a thick batter forms -- or mix well in the mixing bowl. The batter should almost hold its shape when tested with a spoon.

If the batter is too stiff, add a tiny amount of milk. If by any chance it is runny, add more flour.   

Heat oil in a pan, using medium to high heat to start with.

Scoop up heaped tablespoons of batter, and drop into pan, but not too close together. You won't have huge fritters as some of the batter will stay clinging to the spoon.  Fry until firm and golden on the underside, then flip over and fry on other side.

(You could use a non-stick pan and not use oil or butter, but a little oil is preferable).

The fritters will puff up slightly and keep their shape, but will deflate a bit as you take them out of the pan. To test for doneness, press very lightly on the fritters. When done, they will tend to spring back. If still uncertain, press harder: no batter should run out the sides.

Serve warm, either as a side dish, or as a dessert with plenty of crunchy cinnamon-flavoured sugar.

NOTE:   The pumpkin MUST be dry. We do not have canned pumpkin in South Africa, and would use home-cooked pumpkin.  Either, drain very well, or cook fresh pumpkin in a pot without a lid until all water has evaporated.  

*Reprinted from Recipe Zaar