Delicious New Orleans-Style Rice Fritters – A Perfect Breakfast Treat
This classic recipe hails from a fundraiser cookbook for an elementary school in New Orleans, and it brings a unique twist to your breakfast routine. With a light, cake-like texture and a warm, comforting flavor, these rice fritters are ideal for pairing with a hot cup of coffee in the morning. You can enjoy them as they are, or with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
If you’re short on time, an easy shortcut is to prepare most of the ingredients the night before. Just mix everything except for the self-rising flour, and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply stir in the self-rising flour, and you’re ready to fry up these fritters fresh and hot. They take just minutes to cook in the deep fryer, but the result is a wonderfully crispy exterior and soft, tender interior.
These rice fritters are not only perfect for breakfast, but they can also be served as a delightful snack at any time of the day. Their versatility makes them a great choice for various occasions, and their irresistible flavor will certainly leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries them. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these fritters come together in no time.
Recipe Summary
| Category | Breads |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes (per batch) |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 12 (2 dozen fritters) |
| Calories | 140.4 per serving |
| Rating | 5 stars (1 review) |
| Cuisine | New Orleans, American |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 1 1/2 cups |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 tsp |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Self-rising flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 tsp |
| Powdered sugar (optional) | For dusting |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 1.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 53.6 mg |
| Sodium | 218.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 8.5 g |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice Mixture
Start by placing the cooked rice into a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle the milk over the rice, and then mash the rice until it reaches a smooth, almost creamy consistency. -
Add Remaining Ingredients
To the mashed rice mixture, add the vanilla extract, sugar, eggs, and nutmeg. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. -
Prepare for Frying
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the fritters. -
Form and Fry the Fritters
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop small portions of the rice mixture and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry each batch of fritters for about 2 1/2 minutes, turning them once, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. -
Drain and Dust
Once the fritters are golden brown, carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While they’re still warm, dust them lightly with powdered sugar if desired. -
Serve Hot
Serve your rice fritters immediately while they are still hot and crispy, paired with your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Helpful Tips
- Advance Preparation: To save time, mix all the ingredients except for the self-rising flour the night before. Refrigerate overnight, and in the morning, simply stir in the self-rising flour before frying.
- Frying Tip: The key to perfectly fried fritters is maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the fritters will burn on the outside before cooking through; if it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Flavor Variations: If you like, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon into the mixture for added warmth, or try substituting some of the milk with buttermilk for a richer flavor.
These New Orleans-style rice fritters are simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday brunch, a quick weekday breakfast, or just as an indulgent treat, their light, cake-like texture and subtle sweetness will make them an instant favorite. Enjoy!
