Get ready to transform humble Swiss chard into a mind-blowing culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing! These golden, crispy fritters are not just a recipe - they're a journey into the heart of authentic Italian street food that will make you forget everything you thought you knew about vegetables. Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp exterior that gives way to a tender, flavorful interior packed with nutrient-rich Swiss chard and a hint of parmesan magic. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply elevate your home cooking game, these Crispeddi Chi Giri are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g Swiss chard, chopped
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the Swiss chard leaves, removing any tough stems. Pat dry completely with clean kitchen towels to ensure crisp fritters.
- Chop the Swiss chard into small, uniform pieces, ensuring they are roughly 1-2 cm in size for even cooking and texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Crack the eggs into the flour mixture and whisk until you create a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to thick pancake batter.
- Add the chopped Swiss chard into the batter, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are well-coated and distributed evenly.
- Heat vegetable or olive oil in a deep frying pan to approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer for precise temperature control.
- Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop small portions of the battered Swiss chard into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each fritter for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they achieve a golden-brown color and crispy exterior.
- Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot fritters immediately after removing from oil.
- Serve immediately while hot and crisp, optionally with a side of marinara sauce or lemon wedges for added flavor.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Ensure your Swiss chard is completely dry before mixing into the batter. Any excess water can make your fritters soggy instead of crisp.
- Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain oil at exactly 350°F (175°C) for the perfect golden-brown exterior without burning.
- Don't Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each fritter gets crispy and evenly cooked.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, young Swiss chard for the most tender and flavorful fritters.
- Serving Hack: Serve immediately after cooking to maintain maximum crispiness. A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a squeeze of lemon can elevate the flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the batter in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 hours before frying.
- Oil Selection: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for the best frying results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
