Michelle Bradford
Spicy Feta, Date and Sweetcorn Fritters
This is a delicious collision of cultures as ingredients from the East collide with those of the West!
In this, the turmeric and curry leaves with the sweet dates subtly bring that distinct Indian flavour, complimented beautifully with the saltiness of the feta, with bursts of cumin and fennel seeds.
Serves 6 – 8
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 20 curry leaves chopped
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 green chili finely chopped
- 2 tsp ginger grated
- 1 red onion finely sliced
- 200g feta diced
- 200g dates diced
- 300g tinned sweetcorn drained
- 3 spring onions finely sliced
- 1 large bunch coriander chopped
- 1 large bunch of parsley chopped
- 170g self-rising flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 150ml buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- Oil for deep frying
Heat olive oil, then add curry leaves, fennel, cumin seeds, turmeric, chilli, and ginger. Fry until aromatic, reduce the heat, then add the red onions and cook until caramelised.
Remove from heat and transfer into a bowl, and leave to cool. Add feta, dates, sweetcorn, spring onions, coriander, and parsley.
Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Whisk the buttermilk and eggs together and stir into dry ingredients. Add the feta, corn and date mixture, and stir well to combine.
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large deep pan. Drop large tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden. Remove and drain onto paper towels.
Serve with tomato relish, Greek yoghurt, and fresh coriander.
Note: For the vegan gluten-free option, swap out the feta for cashew feta and the flour for the gluten-free option. (chickpea flour works well with this recipe but you will need to add a tsp of baking powder). The buttermilk can be swapped out for a nut-free option, adding 1 tsp of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Complement this dish with a slightly chilled off-dry Riesling, Chenin Blanc or Rosé.
If you enjoyed this recipe why not share it with your friends via social media or e-mail? If you want a copy of your own select the print option at the top of the page.
Please share so others can discover The BFD.