Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a versatile and nutritious root vegetable with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. In this recipe, we’re using celeriac to create crispy and delicious fritters, perfect as a side dish or a light main course. The combination of flour, water, tamari, and soy sauce provides a savory base, while chickpea crumbs or breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch. Frying in olive oil ensures a golden-brown exterior that’s both crispy and flavorful.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 1 medium-sized celeriac (peeled and grated)
- ¾ cup (100g) flour
- ½ cup (140ml) water
- 1 tsp tamari sauce (for a gluten-free option, or use soy sauce)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Pinch of salt
- Chickpea crumbs or breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Directions
- Prepare the Celeriac:
- Peel and grate the celeriac using a coarse grater. Place the grated celeriac in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Batter:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, water, tamari sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the celeriac but not too runny.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the grated celeriac to the batter and mix well to ensure even coating.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Fry the Fritters:
- Once the oil is hot, spoon tablespoons of the celeriac mixture into the pan, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil if needed.
- Coat and Serve:
- After frying, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Coat them with chickpea crumbs or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Enjoy:
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. These fritters pair well with a light salad or can be enjoyed on their own with a dipping sauce.
Tips
- Grating Celeriac: Ensure the celeriac is grated finely for an even texture. A coarse grater can leave chunks that may not cook uniformly.
- Batter Consistency: Adjust the batter with more flour or water if needed. It should be thick enough to hold together but still easy to spoon into the pan.
- Oil Temperature: Test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small amount of batter into it. If it bubbles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the fritters soggy.
Possible Questions
- Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour if you prefer. Each type will slightly alter the texture and flavor of the fritters. - How can I make this recipe vegan?
The recipe is already vegan-friendly when using chickpea crumbs for coating. Ensure the tamari and soy sauce are also vegan-friendly. - Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the fritters at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They may not be as crispy as the fried version but will still be delicious. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fritters and freeze them before frying. When ready to eat, fry them from frozen or bake them as directed.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked fritters for up to 2 months. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.
Nutritional Facts (per fritter, assuming 8 fritters)
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g (including 0.5g saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These celeriac fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy the unique flavor of celeriac. With their crispy texture and savory taste, they make a great addition to any meal. Perfect as a side dish, a light main course, or even a snack, these fritters are both delicious and versatile. Experiment with different coatings and dipping sauces to find your favorite combination. Enjoy the delightful crunch and flavor of these fritters with family and friends!