Frittelle di Finocchio: A Delicious Italian Fennel Fritter Recipe

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Frittelle di Finocchio

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Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Skillet or frying pan
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 large fennel bulb about 1 pound, finely chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano optional
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Prepare the Fennel
• Clean the Fennel: Trim the fennel bulb, removing the stalks and any tough outer layers. Slice it in half and remove the core. Then chop it finely.
• Soak in Water: Place the chopped fennel in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes. This helps to crisp it up and remove any bitterness. After soaking, drain and pat dry with paper towels.
• Step 2: Make the Batter
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
• Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and add the beaten egg, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
• Step 3: Mix in the Fennel
• Fold in Fennel: Gently fold the prepared fennel into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
• Step 4: Heat the Oil
• Prepare the Skillet: In a skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises, it’s ready.
• Step 5: Fry the Fritters
• Form the Fritters: Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, drop the batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
• Cook Until Golden: Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• Step 6: Serve
• Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Frittelle di Finocchio with a dipping sauce or on their own!
• Variations
• Herbs and Spices: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of flavor.
• Cheese Alternatives: Substitute Parmesan with feta cheese for a different taste.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Tips and Substitutions
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk and omit the cheese for a dairy-free option.
• Baking Option: For a healthier version, consider baking them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Keyword Finocchio, Frittelle di Finocchio

Frittelle di Finocchio, or fennel fritters, are a delightful and savory dish that highlights the unique flavor of fennel. These crispy, golden-brown fritters are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even as part of a main course. They bring together the wonderful taste of fresh fennel with a light and airy batter, creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. From my own personal experience, I’ve found these fritters to be a hit at gatherings, and they are surprisingly easy to make! So, let me show you how I make these wonderful Frittelle di Finocchio.

Notes on What to Expect

You can expect a crisp exterior and a tender, flavorful interior with the anise-like taste of fennel shining through. These fritters are versatile and can be served as a light appetizer or snack, perfect for any gathering or family meal.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Appetizer or Snack
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $10
• Equipment Needed:
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Frittelle di Finocchio  now.

Ingredients

• 1 large fennel bulb (about 1 pound), finely chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• Olive oil, for frying
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Frittelle di Finocchio  now.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Fennel

1. Clean the Fennel: Trim the fennel bulb, removing the stalks and any tough outer layers. Slice it in half and remove the core. Then chop it finely.
2. Soak in Water: Place the chopped fennel in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes. This helps to crisp it up and remove any bitterness. After soaking, drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and add the beaten egg, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.

Step 3: Mix in the Fennel

1. Fold in Fennel: Gently fold the prepared fennel into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

1. Prepare the Skillet: In a skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises, it’s ready.

Step 5: Fry the Fritters

1. Form the Fritters: Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, drop the batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
2. Cook Until Golden: Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Frittelle di Finocchio with a dipping sauce or on their own!

Variations

• Herbs and Spices: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of flavor.
• Cheese Alternatives: Substitute Parmesan with feta cheese for a different taste.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Tips and Substitutions

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk and omit the cheese for a dairy-free option.
• Baking Option: For a healthier version, consider baking them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Frittelle di Finocchio  now.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: Approximately 200
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Frittelle di Finocchio seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below! I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment. Happy cooking!