FRITTI….they come in all shapes, sizes, batters, breadings, fillings, foods and depending on where you are are in Italy they are called Fritti, Pettole, Pittule, Crispeddi, the list goes on. NEVER argue with an Italian about what they call a dish!!! Everyone is right!! Often blanket terms like “Sicilian” mean something from a particular region of Sicily, oh that’s right, not all Sicilian cooking is the same. But it’s all Sicilian cuisine. I started with a basic flour and egg batter for these which is a common way in Sicily to make these. I was bringing them to a family holiday dinner to I wanted to make them special. I dipped into my bag of “what are some good complimentary ingredients that echo the Isola di Sicilia and I came up with Caciocavallo cheese, Mint (yes, Sicilians love the herb), and Sesame Seeds. The Arab conquest of Sicily for centuries brought many of their food traditions, the sesames are one of them and now are emblematic in many of Sicily’s foods/sweets like Cubbaita and Biscotti Regina, topping many panini and loaves of bread. So why not fold them into a savory batter and get the taste of Sicily in every bite? By the Way, Sicily has an ancient language which often borrows from Italian and Cauliflower, in Italian called Cavolofiore is often called Vruocculi, Vruocoli.
SICILIAN CAULIFLOWER FRITTERS
TIME: 2 HOURS MAKES; ABOUT 2 DOZEN
1 LARGE FRESH CAULIFLOWER HEAD, STEAMED, COOLED, THEN SEPARATED INTO FLORETS
2 TBS. AP FLOUR SEASONED WITH SALT AND PEPPER
2 LARGE ORGANIC (IF POSSIBLE) EGGS, BEATEN
1 CUP SIFTED ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
1/2 TSP BAKING POWDER (CHECK YOUR CONTAINER’S FRESHNESS DATE)
3/4 WHOLE MILK
1 TSP SICILIAN SEA SALT
3 TABLESPOONS ROASTED SESAME SEEDS
1 TSP. CRUMBLED DRIED MINT
1/8 CUP GRATED CACIOCAVALLO OR PECORINO
1/2 TSP BLACK PEPPER
OIL FOR FRYING ( I USED CORN OIL)
2 LEMONS, SLICED OR IN WEDGES
10 SPRIGS OF FRESH ITALIAN FLAT LEAF PARSLEY
sprinkle the seasoned flour over the florets in a bowl and gently get each floret coated in flour. Add the milk and grated cheese to the eggs, beat well. Now add all the other ingredients and slowly create a thick batter. When all is blended well, reserve to the side. Heat 2 inches of oil in a high sided pan/pot ( i use my Cast iron pan) and bring to 325 degrees F. When the oil is ready, coat one of the florets with the batter, let excess drip off and test one. If it’s ready it will immediately sizzle and start fo puff up in size. About 2 minutes per side. Place the florets in the batter in batches and fry no more than 6 at a time our your oil temp drops and we have a greasy finished product. As each batch is done and draining sprinkle sea salt over them. They should be salted when hot, not when cooled. Continue battering and frying until you’re all done. Serve them piping hot on a platter with lots of lemon wedges or slices. Squeeze over the top when serving, extra on the side. Add some chopped parsley leaves as garnish. Enjoy!!
A FOOD OBSESSION 