Ingredients

• • 5 Tomatoes (medium-sized, ripe but firm)
  • 2 Eggs

• • 100g Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, grated)
  • 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs
  • 200g Flour (all-purpose)

• • Spring Onion (chopped, for garnish)
  • Vegetable Oil (for frying)
  • Salt (to taste)

• Black Pepper (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. 1. Wash and slice: Begin by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel and slice them into thick, even rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Be sure not to slice them too thin, as they may fall apart during the cooking process.
   2. Season the tomatoes: Lightly sprinkle each tomato slice with salt. You can also add black pepper for extra seasoning if you like. Set the seasoned tomato slices aside for a few minutes while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. 1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 200g of flour, a pinch of salt, and the breadcrumbs. This will give the batter a nice texture and ensure that the fritters turn out crispy.
   2. Beat the eggs: In a separate small bowl, crack the two eggs and whisk them until fully beaten.
   3. Combine the ingredients: Gradually add the beaten eggs to the flour and breadcrumb mixture. Stir the mixture until a thick batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the tomato slices, but not too runny. If it’s too thick, you can add a little water (1-2 tablespoons) to loosen it slightly.

1. Add the cheese: Fold the grated cheese into the batter. The cheese will melt during frying and create a deliciously gooey interior for the fritters.

Step 3: Coat the Tomatoes

1. 1. Dip the tomato slices: Take each tomato slice and dip it into the batter, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before frying.
   2. Set aside on a plate: Place the coated tomato slices on a plate and let them rest for a minute while you heat the oil for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Tomato Fritters

1. 1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles when added, but not smoking.
   2. Fry the tomatoes: Once the oil is hot, gently place the battered tomato slices into the skillet in a single layer. Fry the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip them over halfway through cooking.
   3. Drain excess oil: When the fritters are golden and crispy on both sides, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with spring onion: Once all the fritters are fried, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped spring onion for added flavor and color.
2. Serve: These crispy tomato fritters with cheese are best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or a side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• • Calories: 220

• • Protein: 9g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g

• • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used and portion sizes.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Yes! You can use a variety of cheeses depending on your preference. Mozzarella will give a mild, melty texture, while cheddar adds a sharper flavor. You can even try Parmesan for a more savory touch.

2. Can I bake the fritters instead of frying them?
Absolutely. To make these fritters healthier, you can bake them instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the battered tomatoes on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

3. Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. How do I keep the fritters crispy for longer?
To keep the fritters crispy after frying, place them on a wire rack instead of a paper towel-lined plate. This allows air to circulate around the fritters, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Tips for Making the Perfect Crispy Tomato Fritters

1. 1. Choose firm tomatoes: For the best results, use ripe but firm tomatoes. Overripe tomatoes may become too soft and fall apart during frying.

1. 1. Control the oil temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cold, the fritters will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the fritters may burn on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
   2. Grate the cheese finely: Finely grated cheese will incorporate better into the batter, ensuring that every bite has a cheesy, melty texture.
   3. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fritters.

Storage Tips

1. 1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover fritters, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet to maintain their crispiness.
   2. Freezing: You can freeze the fritters after frying by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake the frozen fritters in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
   3. Reheating: For best results, reheat the fritters in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crunch. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Conclusion

Crispy tomato fritters with cheese are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that takes basic ingredients and transforms them into something exciting. With juicy tomatoes coated in a cheesy, crispy batter, these fritters are packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or a side dish, these fritters are sure to impress. Plus, they are versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Try these simple, delicious tomato fritters, and get ready to be enthusiastic about adding flour to tomatoes!