These crispy and flavorful cabbage fritters paired with a tangy feta dip make for an irresistible appetizer, side dish, or light meal. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, these fritters are both easy to make and delicious. Enjoy them as a snack or a main course—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Fritters:
- 7 cups thinly sliced cabbage (from about 1 small head)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup peeled and grated carrot
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white rice flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup canola oil, divided (for frying)
For the Feta Dip:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage Fritters:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cabbage, finely chopped scallions, and grated carrot. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and mix well. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture.
- Drain the Vegetables:
- After the cabbage mixture has rested, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to ensure the fritters are crispy and not soggy.
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the drained cabbage mixture with the beaten eggs. Stir in the all-purpose flour, white rice flour, cornstarch, finely chopped fresh ginger, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, dried dill, baking powder, baking soda, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. The batter should be thick and slightly chunky.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1/4 cup of canola oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Fry the Fritters:
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, pressing them down slightly to flatten into fritters. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil as needed for each batch. Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the fritters with additional chopped scallions if desired.
Prepare the Feta Dip:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, crumbled feta cheese, dried dill, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and kosher salt. Stir until well combined.
- Chill:
- For best results, chill the feta dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Tips:
- Consistency: Ensure the batter is thick but not too dry. The right consistency will help the fritters hold together while frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a medium heat to avoid burning the fritters. Test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into the pan; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
- Batch Cooking: Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking and soggy fritters.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free flour if needed. However, the texture might vary slightly.
Q: How can I make these fritters in advance?
A: You can prepare the fritters and freeze them after frying. Reheat in the oven or a skillet before serving to restore crispiness.
Q: Can I make the feta dip in advance?
A: Yes, the feta dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or skillet.
- Feta Dip: Keep the feta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per fritter with dip):
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
Conclusion:
These cabbage fritters are a delightful treat that combines crispy texture with savory flavors. Paired with the creamy, tangy feta dip, they offer a perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal, these fritters are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. Enjoy the wonderful blend of fresh ingredients and delectable flavors in every bite. Bon appétit!