Savory Fritter Recipes

 

Fritter Frenzy: The Savory Snack Solution You Crave

Fritters: the under-appreciated heroes of the culinary world. They're crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you're looking for a light appetizer, a vegetarian main course, or a fun way to use up leftover veggies, fritters have you covered.

In this post, we'll delve into the delightful world of savory fritters, exploring their versatility and offering tips to create your own fritter masterpieces.

A Global Fritter Feast

Fritters are a global phenomenon, enjoyed in countless cultures under different names. From Indian pakoras to Japanese tempura, these crispy treats showcase the incredible diversity of ingredients and flavors around the world.

The Fritter Formula

The beauty of fritters lies in their simplicity. At their core, they're a combination of grated or chopped vegetables, a binder (like eggs or flour), and seasonings, all fried until golden brown. But that's just the starting point!

Here are some of the BEST EVER FRITTER RECIPES TO TRY! Click thru the links to view the full recipe. You are going to want to pin all of these for later!

Ricotta Fritters by An Italian In My Kitchen

Spiced Sweet Potato Fritters by Mae’s Menu

Black Eyed Pea Fritters by Sense and Edibility

Sauerkraut Fritters by The Good Hearted Woman

Cheesy Zucchini Fritters by Tasty Oven

German Potato Fritters by Happy Kitchen

Beetroot Fritters by Go Healthy Ever After

Cheesy Cauliflower Fritters by Everyday Delicious

Okra Fritters by Global Kitchen Fritters

Crispy Corn Fritters by Small Town Woman

Caprese Zucchini Fritters by Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Corn and Zucchini Fritters by Three Olives Branch

Fritter Freedom: Endless Variations

The true magic of fritters unfolds in their endless variations. Here are some ideas to inspire your fritter creations:

• Veggie Bonanza: Courgettes, corn, sweet potato, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms - the list goes on! Embrace seasonal vegetables or clean out your crisper drawer.
• Cheese Please: Add grated parmesan, cheddar, feta, or mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
• Herb Haven: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, chives, or cilantro elevate your fritters with pops of freshness.
• Spice It Up: Don't be shy with spices! A pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, cumin, or curry powder can add a flavor explosion.
• Dip It Good: Serve your fritters with a variety of dipping sauces to cater to different palates. Aioli, sriracha mayo, chutney, or a simple yogurt dip are all excellent options.

Frittering Tips for Success

• Moisture Matters: Squeeze out excess moisture from grated vegetables to ensure crispy fritters.
• Rest and Rise: Let your fritter batter rest for 15-20 minutes before frying. This allows the ingredients to meld and the batter to thicken slightly.
• Oil is Key: Use an oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, for frying.
• Golden Goodness: Don't overcrowd the pan! Fry your fritters in batches to ensure even cooking and a beautiful golden brown color.

With these tips and a little creativity, you'll be a fritter-frying pro in no time. So grab your favorite vegetables, get ready to experiment, and embrace the delightful world of savory fritters!

Find more favorite recipes here:

Sauteed corn

Fancy Grilled Cheese Recipes

 Let's face it, summer nights can be a battle. The thought of firing up the oven and heating the whole house can be enough to send anyone running for the nearest ice cream tub. But what if you crave that warm, comforting feeling that only a delicious meal can bring? Enter the mighty grilled cheese: a summertime dinnertime hero in disguise.

There's something undeniably comforting about a perfectly toasted sandwich, the melty cheese oozing out the sides. It's a taste of simpler times, a reminder of childhood lunches and rainy day snacks. But the beauty of the grilled cheese is its versatility. It can be a blank canvas for culinary creativity, transforming from a simple cheddar and white bread combo into a symphony of flavors and textures.

Think about it: fresh summer tomato slices nestled between creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil. Or perhaps thinly sliced grilled chicken adds a protein punch, balanced by the sweetness of fig jam. The options are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this classic to your specific cravings.

Here are some of my favorite grilled cheese recipes. Click through the links below to view the full recipes.

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese by A Page of Positivity 

Grilled Cheese with Kale by Platter Talk

Pesto Grilled Cheese  by Quiche My Grits

Taco Grilled Cheese by Sugar and Soul

Havarti Chicken Fajita Grilled Cheese by Mooshu Jenne

Grilled Cheese Burgers by Girl Carnivore

Lamb Grilled Cheese by Pass the Sushi

Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese by Cooking School Dropout

Gourmet French Grilled Cheese by Delicious Table

Taco Grilled Cheese by Simply Stacie

Pesto Grilled Cheese by Chef Not Required

Roasted Red pepper Panini Grilled Cheese by Fearless Dining

Kimchi Grilled Cheese by in the Kitch

Bolognese Grilled Cheese by Gluten Free Stories

Rainbow Grilled Cheese by Amanda’s Cookin’

Plus, the beauty of a grilled cheese dinner is its simplicity. It requires minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and cooks up in minutes. This frees you up to spend more time enjoying the warm summer nights, whether it's stargazing on the patio, catching fireflies with the kids, or simply relaxing with a good book.

So next time you're staring into a hot kitchen on a summer evening, don't despair. Embrace the power of the grilled cheese. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest things in life can be the most satisfying.

Find more favorite recipes here:

Loaded Jalapeno Bites

Crab Cakes

Jalapeno Popper Spread

Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ditch the Oven, Grab the Instant Pot: Loaded Baked Potato Soup in Under 30 Minutes!

Move over, oven, there's a new sheriff in town for whipping up creamy, cheesy, all-things-potato goodness: the Instant Pot! Yes, friends, your favorite comfort food just got a major upgrade with this Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe. Buckle up for a flavor explosion that's ready in under 30 minutes, without sacrificing an ounce of that rich, decadent satisfaction.

Why Your Taste Buds Will Do a Potato Jig:

• Speed Demon: Forget about slaving over a hot stove or waiting for the oven to preheat. This Instant Pot wonder delivers all the baked potato soup goodness in a lightning-fast 15 minutes of pressure cooking. ⚡️
• Flavor Fiesta: We're talking creamy potato base loaded with melty cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, and pops of fresh green onion. Each spoonful is a party for your palate!
• Customizable Cravings: Feeling spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Craving some extra veggie goodness? Throw in some chopped broccoli or corn. This recipe is your canvas, get creative!
• Clean Up Breeze: One pot means minimal mess! Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier (and less stressful).

Ready to whip up this potato-licious dream? Here's what you'll need:

• The Essentials: Russet potatoes, chicken broth, butter, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, green onions, bacon (for garnish)
• The Hero: Your trusty Instant Pot!

Get Cookin':

1. Dice those potatoes! The smaller the pieces, the creamier the soup.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic in your Instant Pot for a flavor boost.
3. Toss in the potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Let the Instant Pot work its magic with a 15-minute pressure cook. ‍♀️
4. Blend it up! Use an immersion blender or a regular blender (carefully!) to achieve that perfectly smooth and creamy texture. ️
5. Stir in the cheese, sour cream, and milk. Heat it through until everything is melty and glorious.
6. Garnish with crispy bacon crumbles, fresh green onions, and extra cheese (because why not?).

Pro Tip: This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Play with different cheeses (try Gruyere or Monterey Jack!), add a dollop of Greek yogurt for tanginess, or swap the bacon for crumbled sausage or shredded chicken. The possibilities are endless!

So, ditch the takeout menus and cozy up to a bowl of this quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup. It's the perfect antidote to a chilly day, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a comforting weeknight meal. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!

Ingredients:

½ c yellow onion, diced

2 tbsp minced garlic

2 c chicken broth

4 oz cream cheese

4 medium russet potatoes diced

A pinch of salt

1 c half and half

Pepper to taste

2 c shredded cheddar cheese

½ c bacon lardons or crumbles

For garnish:

Bacon lardons or crumbles

Green onions

Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Turn the instant pot to saute.

Add bacon lardons and saute for 3 minutes, stirring as needed.

Add diced onion and saute for 2 minutes or until soft, stir as needed.

Add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute. Turn the instant pot off to avoid burning the garlic!

Scrub and dice potatoes. Cut them into small chunks.

Add the potatoes to the instant pot.

Add a pinch of salt, and chicken broth.

Place the lid on the instant pot and seal the valve.

Set the instant pot to manual setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.

When the timer dings, quick release the steam.

Immediately add cream cheese, cut into chunks for easier melting.

Add half and half, and pepper to taste.

Add shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir.

Replace the lid and allow the cheeses to melt into the soup for about 5 minutes.

Stir and serve immediately.

Garnish with sliced green onions, additional bacon crumbles or lardons and extra cheddar cheese.

Happy Instant Potting!

P.S. Feeling inspired? Leave a comment below with your favorite Instant Pot hacks or loaded baked potato soup variations!

P.P.S. Be sure to follow me for more quick and easy Instant Pot recipes that will rock your world!

Find more instant pot recipes here:

Garlic Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta

Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots

What Does Grass Fed Beef Really Mean?

 

At your grocery store, grass-fed beef has become more readily available; however, there remain some misconceptions as to what this label entails.

Grass finished beef is not only healthier than its grain-finished counterpart, but also more flavorful! Read on to discover why.

Grass-Fed Animals Live Longer

Grass-fed meat may be more costly, but it offers numerous health and ethical advantages as well as improved taste. Not only is grass-fed beef leaner and lower in calories, but it also contains essential omega-3 fatty acids (which aid heart health) as well as antioxidants for greater longevity. You can click here to learn more about antioxidants.

grass-fed cattle tend to boast more favorable fatty acid profiles than grain-fed animals, including higher omega-3 linoleic acid levels and reduced levels of omega-6 linoleic acid. Furthermore, pasture-raised cows enjoy greater freedom for exercise than feedlot animals, benefiting their overall health and well being more effectively.

Due to their diets, grass-fed animals are less likely to suffer from fatty liver diseases like Hepatitis C - which can cause jaundice and severe liver abscesses - as ruminant digestive systems are designed to break down tough plants rather than grains (Abend 2010).

Market meat often advertises itself as "grass-fed," even though it was not produced this way. Some ranchers sell their beef to large companies that operate feedlots - highly industrialized operations dedicated to mass producing large volumes of beef quickly. 

"Grass-fed" on products simply indicates that all their calories came from grasses - an indicator regulated by Food Safety and Inspection Service but often not strictly enforced; purchasing grass-fed from a local rancher would be the ideal solution both in terms of health benefits and environmental considerations.

Grass-Fed Animals Are Healthy

"You are what you eat" certainly rings true when it comes to beef. Cattle fed a diet rich in grass produce meat that is lower in calories and nutritionally denser than grain-fed cows. 

Furthermore, grass-fed beef has less total fat and more heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids while providing significantly more omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which have been proven to prevent heart disease and cancer while its omega-6 counterpart promotes inflammation in the body. This is why many choose to buy grass-fed beef online as a part of a healthy diet. Finding high-quality meats is important for consumers.

Grass-fed beef contains high concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that promote good health, including vitamin B12, iron and zinc as well as less well-known nutrients like creatine and carnosine (7). Furthermore, grass-fed beef boasts richer levels of carotenoid precursors to vitamin A (beta carotene and lutein), and vitamin E which protects cell membranes against oxidation.

Conventionally raised cattle are typically fed a combination of corn and grain to rapidly fatten them up before being slaughtered, which is not natural for them and leads to numerous health issues in these cows. 

Grain-fed cows have twice the rate of obesity than their grass-fed counterparts and more frequently suffer gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and constipation than grass-fed ones and are more prone to infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Staph than their grass-fed counterparts.

Grass-Fed Animals Are More Efficient

Responsible meat eaters may have come across the "grass fed" label when shopping for red meat, with claims that grass-fed is better for the environment and better tasting meat overall. But what does that actually mean?

Cattle on a grass-fed diet are more likely to live outdoor lives, reducing environmental impacts. Their diet enriches soil with organic matter that improves biodiversity while making it more resistant to floods and droughts, plus natural, high-fiber grasses can improve health while improving flavor in their meat products. 

Furthermore, using less energy leads to reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; although grass-fed animals produce more methane than their grain-fed counterparts they also grow slower thus leading to lower total agricultural GHG emissions overall in final products produced. You can click the link: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions to learn more about greenhouse gas emissions.

Demand for grass-fed beef far exceeds its supply in the United States due to limited land values and grazing infrastructure limitations, but nonetheless demand continues to increase and grass-fed products will become more and more popular across various markets.

Though all forms of beef should be eaten with moderation, grass-fed beef is generally considered healthier than grain-fed options due to lower levels of saturated fat and more omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to help prevent heart disease as well as autoimmune diseases like Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Of course, grass-fed beef should still be enjoyed within limits; no miracle food exists!

Grass-Fed Animals Are More Ethical

Consumers are increasingly seeking meat raised on grass. This trend has inspired numerous small farms to provide this meat, while supermarkets have responded by stocking it. When searching for it in grocery stores it can often be confusing and hard to interpret the labels; finding sustainably raised and humanely produced options even more so.

One of the primary arguments in favor of grass-fed meat is that it's better for animals than feedlot beef, and this claim holds up. Cattle in feedlots tend to live in cramped quarters without access to fresh air or light; antibiotics may even be administered directly into their feed to ensure they remain healthy amidst filthy conditions.

Grass-fed cattle tend to spend most of their lives outdoors and consume an organic, healthy diet that's more conducive to their well-being. Grain-fed beef may lead to serious health complications while grass-fed cows could live up to twice as long.

However, it should be borne in mind that grass-fed cattle may not necessarily be more ethical than their feedlot counterparts. Although cattle raised on pasture may sequester carbon from the atmosphere into the soil, pastureland resources only support 27% of today's beef production without leading to deforestation and land degradation; and regardless of how grass-fed livestock are raised they still emit significant quantities of methane (a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide over 100 years) into the atmosphere.