Imagine a dish that transforms humble carrots into a crispy, golden-brown delicacy that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Middle Eastern Carrot Fritters are not just a side dish – they're a culinary adventure that brings together the earthy sweetness of carrots, the warmth of cumin, and the creamy tang of yogurt sauce. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to elevate your home cooking, these fritters are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the carrots by washing and peeling them, then grate using a box grater or food processor until you have 2 cups of finely grated carrots.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, flour, egg, cumin, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a cohesive batter.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and set aside in the refrigerator.
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan with about 1/4 inch depth.
- Using a spoon or small measuring cup, drop dollops of the carrot mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly to create fritter shapes.
- Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan by cooking in batches.
- Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Serve the hot carrot fritters immediately with the chilled yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: After grating the carrots, use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out excess moisture. This helps your fritters stay crisp and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain a consistent medium-high heat (around 350°F) for perfect golden-brown fritters. Too low, and they'll absorb too much oil; too high, and they'll burn on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure each fritter has enough space to crisp up evenly. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fritters.
- Serve Immediately: These fritters are best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight from the pan. If you need to keep them warm, place them on a wire rack in a low oven (200°F) while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
- Get Creative with Sauce: While the classic yogurt sauce is delicious, feel free to experiment with added herbs like dill or mint, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
