Escarole Fritters (Frittelle di Scarola)
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 30 fritters
These crispy, savory fritters made with escarole (also known as endive) are the perfect start to any meal. With the richness of Parmesan and the tangy punch of capers, they are irresistibly delicious. If you’re looking for something a little different but easy to make, these fritters are just the recipe you need.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Escarole (Endive) | 950g |
| Black Olives | 80g |
| Capers | 20g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 50g |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| All-Purpose Flour (00) | 70g |
| Vegetable Oil (for frying) | As needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Start by cleaning the escarole. Rinse it thoroughly and slice it into julienne strips. Next, slice the black olives into thin rounds.
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Cook the Escarole: Heat a little oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and sauté them gently until they turn golden. Once the garlic is done, remove it from the pan and add the escarole. Cook the escarole for about 15-20 minutes until it wilts down and loses most of its moisture. The escarole should be slightly browned. Add the capers and stir to combine.
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Prepare the Fritter Batter: While the escarole is cooking, whisk together the eggs, baking soda, and sifted all-purpose flour in a bowl. Once the escarole is cooked and cooled, mix it thoroughly with the egg and flour batter. Grate the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and fold it into the mixture for a delicious, cheesy flavor.
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Heat the Oil: In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil to around 180°C (350°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small spoonful of batter into it. If it floats to the top and begins to fry, the oil is ready.
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Fry the Fritters: Using a spoon, scoop small amounts of the batter and drop them into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying.
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Drain and Serve: Once the fritters are golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
These escarole fritters make a wonderful appetizer or snack, bursting with savory flavors and crispy textures. Enjoy them with a dipping sauce or just on their own!
Tips:
- If you prefer a milder taste, you can omit the capers, but they do add a delightful tanginess.
- You can also experiment with other greens like spinach or kale in place of escarole, depending on what you have available.
- Serve with a side of aioli or a tangy yogurt dip for extra flavor.
Let these crispy delights bring some extra joy to your meal!
