Spiced Pumpkin Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar
These delightful Spiced Pumpkin Fritters are a versatile dish, inspired by the rich culinary history of South Africa. Perfectly suited for both sweet and savory servings, they can be enjoyed as a comforting dessert dusted with crunchy cinnamon sugar or as a side that pairs beautifully with venison, ham, or even fish. Drawn from the flavors of the Malay community, these fritters embody a unique balance of sweetness and spice, making them a perfect way to utilize leftover pumpkin. Whether served warm at a family gathering or as a contemporary appetizer, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked pumpkin, dry
2 cups (mashed and thoroughly drained)
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (measured)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (measured)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (measured)
granulated sugar
2 tablespoons (measured)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
oil for frying
as needed (for shallow frying)
cinnamon sugar
as desired (for serving, optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your pumpkin: ensure that it is thoroughly cooked and completely dry. To do this, steam or boil the pumpkin without a lid until all moisture evaporates, then mash it until smooth.
2
In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and granulated sugar. If you prefer using a mixing bowl, simply whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
3
Add the cooked pumpkin and the eggs to the dry mixture. If using a processor, blend until a thick, smooth batter forms. If mixing by hand, stir vigorously until everything is well combined. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped with a spoon.
4
Check the consistency of your batter. If it's too stiff, you can add a small splash of milk to loosen it slightly. Conversely, if the batter is runny (this rarely happens), you can add a bit more flour until the consistency is just right.
5
Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium to high heat. You want enough oil for shallow frying but not so much that it overwhelms the fritters.
6
Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in heaped tablespoons of the batter, ensuring they are spaced apart in the pan as they will expand slightly.
7
Fry the fritters until they are golden brown and firm on the bottom, then gently flip them over and cook until the other side is also golden brown.
8
To check if the fritters are done, lightly press them. If they spring back, they are ready. If you press down harder, there should be no batter spilling out the sides.
9
Serve the fritters warm, either sprinkled with a generous amount of cinnamon sugar for dessert or as a savory side dish.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
60g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Pumpkin Fritters?
They are a versatile South African-inspired dish that can be served as a sweet dessert or a savory side dish.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe is inspired by the rich culinary history of South Africa and the unique flavors of the Malay community.
Can I serve these fritters for dessert?
Yes, they make a comforting dessert when served warm and dusted with crunchy cinnamon sugar.
Are these fritters a suitable side dish?
Absolutely, they pair beautifully with savory dishes like venison, ham, or fish.
Is this recipe a good way to use leftovers?
Yes, these fritters are a perfect way to utilize leftover cooked pumpkin.
How should I prepare the pumpkin for this recipe?
The pumpkin should be steamed or boiled without a lid until all moisture evaporates, then mashed until smooth and dry.
Why must the pumpkin be completely dry?
Ensuring the pumpkin is dry helps maintain the correct thick consistency of the batter.
What dry ingredients are needed for the batter?
The batter requires all-purpose flour, salt, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and granulated sugar.
How much all-purpose flour is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of measured all-purpose flour.
How much salt should I add?
You should add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the dry mixture.
How much cinnamon goes into the batter?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What is the amount of baking powder required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of baking powder for this recipe.
How much sugar is added to the batter?
The batter uses 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 large beaten eggs.
Can I use a food processor to make the batter?
Yes, you can combine the dry ingredients and then blend in the pumpkin and eggs until a thick, smooth batter forms.
How do I mix the batter by hand?
Whisk the dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl, add the pumpkin and eggs, and stir vigorously until well combined.
What should the consistency of the batter be?
The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped with a spoon.
How do I fix a batter that is too stiff?
If the batter is too stiff, you can add a small splash of milk to loosen it slightly.
How do I fix a batter that is too runny?
If the batter is too runny, you can add a bit more flour until the consistency is correct.
What type of frying is recommended?
The recipe uses shallow frying in a non-stick pan over medium to high heat.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You need enough oil for shallow frying, but not so much that it overwhelms the fritters.
How do I cook the fritters in the pan?
Drop heaped tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, ensuring they are spaced apart as they will expand slightly.
When should I flip the fritters?
Flip them over once they are golden brown and firm on the bottom.
How do I know when the fritters are done?
They are ready when they are golden brown on both sides and spring back when lightly pressed.
How can I check if the inside of the fritter is cooked?
Press down firmly; if no batter spills out the sides, the fritters are done.
Should the fritters be served warm or cold?
The fritters should be served warm for the best flavor and texture.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
There are approximately 450 calories per serving.
What is the nutritional fat and protein content?
Each serving contains 15g of fat and 10g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in these fritters?
Each serving contains 60g of carbohydrates.
What can be used as an optional topping?
Cinnamon sugar can be sprinkled on top as desired for serving.