I was prepping for dinner when I got distracted towards the television. Brian Boitan was sharing his love for a special corn fritter that he ate at E&O Asian Kitchen in San Francisco. Who doesn’t like deep-fried snacks and anyways, SF is not far from my place. But then again, I was not sure I could wait long enough for a trip! Quickly I switched off the stove and started making notes of whatever information I could gather while observing the chef. She made it sound so easy but even after multiple attempts, it didn't come out half as close to what the chef had presented.
Deep fried cooking doesn’t happen a lot often at our home. We both love it but we avoid it as much possible. My Mom always says, never give up any kind of food that you like. If it’s not healthy, eat less and savor the moment. And so we did!
The first attempt was a disaster. I almost burnt my finger, the kernels were getting separated in the oil, it got overcooked and the first few fritters went straight from the wok to the bin. Being stubborn that I am, didn't want to give up. I lowered the heat and this time with much caution, I dropped the mixture in the hot oil. Result - all my fingers were still in place and the fritters came out crispy, crunchy and sweet at every bite!
I had my doubts if Arvind would like it and he proved me correct. It was not as savory or as spicy as he would have preferred in any such snack bites. So, the next time, I gave my own little Indian twist to the mixture. I added garam masala, along with amchoor (raw mango powder), some cayenne powder and fresh mint. And this time, I didn’t deep-fry it; rather pan-fried it in a cast iron pan.
We both loved it and gulped it down with some cold beer.
Summer corns are a delightful creamy treat and one should relish some before the season goes away. Growing up, I don't remember eating a lot of corn. It would mostly be the grilled corn that we would buy from the roadside food stalls. This year, I am taking inspiration from everywhere and eating a lot more fresh corn than ever.
While making this fritter, just make sure not to over mix the ingredients. The mixture can be prepared in advanced and fried later. I still have to visit that restaurant and enjoy some of those Indonesian fritters but until then, I am going to enjoy the home made Indian version ones!
Spicy Corn Fritters
Ingredients
- 3 fresh corns
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves of garlic (grated)
- 1 inch ginger (grated)
- 1 bunch green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 cup fresh mint (finely chopped)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
- ¾ cup corn flour
- ½ cup semolina
- salt
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Remove the husk, clean the silk and using a sharp knife, slice the kernel off the corn into a mixing bowl.
- Then, add rest of the ingredients except oil and using a wooden spoon mix everything.
- If you want to deep-fry it, use a wok and heat enough oil. If you wish to pan fry it, use a cast iron pan and heat about 3 tablespoons oil.
- Spoon the mixture and very carefully, pour it on the wok or the pan. If you are using the pan-fried method, use the spoon to spread out the mixture just a little bit so that it flattens.
- Let it fry for about 3 minutes on each side.
- Serve immediately with you favorite dipping sauce. I like to sprinkle some chat masala on it while serving.
Nutrition
Lisa H.
Oh my... you can make simple food looks amazing 😀
foodwanderings
You are speaking my language. Spicy corn fritters, yumm-o! Just mouthwatering. I literally had nothing to eat at home today and was too exhausted to cook. Rolled in from MA early morning only to wake up at 5 to drop J at the train station.
erin @ yummy supper
Kankana, It's fun to read about your determination and multiple attempts on this one. Skillet fried corn fritters and beer sound like good reward for all the hard work:)
xo
E
Lola Lobato
Totally agree with your mom! and your corn fritters look very tempting.
Dayeeta
Lovely snack..I make the "lazy" version of this with canned corn....
wonderful pictures..
cheers,
d
Roxana | Roxana's Ho
Kankana, you're a professional photographer! The styling of these fritters is amazing! Makes me just reach out and grab one of these lovely crunchy corn fritters.
I'm glad you didn't give up and tried to recreate the fritters one more time. they sounds so good! delicious way to enjoy some sweet summer corn
Spandana
I dont know how I missed your post. These look absolutely delicious, perfect for a rainy evening. Love the pica as usual, waiting for more photography posts 🙂
helene dsouza
Oh what a lovely recipe idea and they are selling corn here just in front of my house. I am looking forward to try your recipe. Enjoyed your photography a lot. Wish u a lovely sunday evening Kankana. =)
Divya
Beautiful presentation and styling, Kankana! I want a bite of these, they look too delicious to pass up! I'm glad you didn't get discouraged after the first try! This recipe sounds like a winner.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen
Really lovely styling, and such a great way to enjoy summer corn.
reese@SeasonwithSpic
Haha! I'm with Ira on your mom's philosophy. After all we both are from the same region, where the street foods and deep fried stuff rule:) Corn fritter is one of those great street snacks favored by Malaysians and Indonesians. I always enjoy how you add your own touch to a recipe. Those corn fritters sure look crunchy!
Ira Rodrigues
I absolutely agree with your mom philosophy but being a truly Indonesian, to be honest, I often breaking my own rule. Corn fritter is always being my favorite snack and your corn fritter absolutely looks yummy! Love your pics and the tonal
Harini
Oh yes! They do look very tempting. No wonder you had to stop cooking and take notes, Kankana! The header looks beautiful, and energetic, just like you. 🙂
Keep Calm and Eat On
A drizzle of lime on one of those hot morsel of goodness and life is good!
Nami | Just One Cookbook
Great summer snack! Being stubborn in the kitchen is good and your persistence resulted in this great recipe! Also, I want to teach my kids your mom's philosophy. I think it's great words we all should remember!
wok with ray
I like your mom's philosophy on food that you like which is absolutely true. Love the spiciness of these fritters. More cayenne for me please. 🙂
Devi
Nice fritters!!
rebecca
what a fun adventure love it
Soma
I have neer made anything like this! I would pop in innumerable of these I think. cilantro, corn and garlic are a great combo.
Tadka Pasta
Just the treat I need in the rainy weather we've been having! Beautiful food and pictures, Kankana! You're the pro!