New Orleans Sweet Rice Fritters
Experience the nostalgic flavors of New Orleans with these delightful Sweet Rice Fritters, or Calas. Traditionally sold by street vendors from horse-drawn carts, these aromatic treats are soft and slightly crispy, making them a beloved breakfast or snack option. Packed with the comforting essence of vanilla and a hint of nutmeg, these fritters evoke a sense of warmth and joy. Perfectly dusted with powdered sugar and served hot, they bring an authentic taste of Creole culture right to your kitchen. Enjoy them as is or drizzle with honey for an extra layer of sweetness!
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
6 (tablespoons)
Sugar
3 (tablespoons)
Baking Powder
2 (teaspoons)
Salt
1/4 (teaspoon)
Vanilla Extract
1/4 (teaspoon)
Cooked Rice
2 (cups)
Eggs
2 (large, beaten)
Nutmeg
1 (pinch)
Cooking Oil
as needed (for frying)
Powdered Sugar
to taste (for dusting)
Honey
optional (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly blended.
2
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the cooked rice until the mixture is well combined and the rice is evenly coated.
3
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the rice and egg combination, stirring gently until all components are equally incorporated and a thick batter forms.
4
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the cooking oil to about 360°F (182°C). Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
5
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
6
Once drained, generously dust the hot fritters with powdered sugar before serving. For a special touch, drizzle honey over them to enhance their sweetness.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of old New Orleans!
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are New Orleans Sweet Rice Fritters?
Also known as Calas, these are traditional Creole rice-based treats that are soft, aromatic, and fried until crispy.
What is the primary base of these fritters?
The primary base for this recipe is two cups of cooked rice.
What flavorings are used in Calas?
These fritters are flavored with vanilla extract and a hint of nutmeg for a warm, comforting essence.
What is the history behind Sweet Rice Fritters?
They were traditionally sold by street vendors in old New Orleans from horse-drawn carts as a popular breakfast item.
How should the eggs be prepared before adding them to the rice?
The recipe calls for two large eggs to be beaten before being mixed with the cooked rice.
At what temperature should the oil be for frying?
The cooking oil should be heated to approximately 360°F (182°C) before frying the batter.
How long do the fritters need to fry?
Fry the fritters for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
What is the best way to serve New Orleans Sweet Rice Fritters?
They are best served hot, generously dusted with powdered sugar, and optionally drizzled with honey.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the fritters?
Each serving provides about 2 grams of protein.
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover cooked rice is the standard and most efficient way to prepare this dish.
How much flour is needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of flour to help bind the rice and eggs.
What makes the fritters rise and become airy?
Two teaspoons of baking powder are used to provide lift and a softer texture.
Is salt included in the sweet recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to balance the sweetness of the sugar and honey.
What type of sugar goes inside the batter?
Three tablespoons of regular sugar are mixed into the dry ingredients for the batter.
How should I handle the fritters after they finish frying?
Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess fat.
Can I add honey to the recipe?
Yes, honey is an optional topping that can be drizzled over the finished fritters for extra sweetness.
Should the batter be thick or thin?
You should stir the ingredients until a thick batter forms that can be dropped by spoonfuls into the oil.
What is the texture of a properly cooked Cala?
The exterior should be crispy and golden brown, while the interior remains soft.
Are these fritters considered a snack or a breakfast item?
They are versatile and can be enjoyed as either a breakfast treat or a sweet snack.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 total ingredients, including the optional honey and the frying oil.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Any neutral cooking oil suitable for high-heat frying, such as vegetable or canola oil, will work.
Is the nutmeg a large part of the recipe?
Only a pinch of nutmeg is needed to provide the traditional aromatic flavor profile.
Should I fry all the batter at once?
No, you should drop spoonfuls into the oil making sure not to overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
What culture does this recipe represent?
This recipe is an authentic representation of New Orleans Creole culture.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
The instructions recommend whisking the dry ingredients together until thoroughly blended, which achieves a similar result to sifting.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include New Orleans, dessert, fried rice balls, snack, and carnival food.
How do I ensure the rice is evenly distributed?
Mix the rice with the beaten eggs first to ensure it is evenly coated before adding the dry ingredients.
Can I serve these cold?
While they can be eaten cold, they are best enjoyed immediately while still hot and crispy.