A Little History

Fritters originated from Native American cuisine. It’s a traditional sweet and savory snack popular in Southern United States aswell as Indonesia where they are known as perkedel jagung or bakwan jagung.

In South Africa it’s a traditional sweet treat known as “Pampoen Koekies”. These pumpkin or butternut fritters are a proudly South African delicacy, and one of the best ways to describe them would be pumpkin pie doughnuts. They are extremely delicious and easy to make.

What You’ll Need To Make Butternut Fritters

• 400 g Butternut or pumkin
• 125 g Flour
• 2 Teaspoons baking powder
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 60 ml Milk
• ½ Teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 Egg
• ½ Teaspoon Nutmeg
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 400 g Butternut or pumpkin
• ½ Teaspoon salt
• 125 g Flour
• 2 Teaspoons baking powder

The Caramel Sauce

• 160 g Sugar
• 45 ml Water
• 15 ml Heavy cream
• 15 ml Sweet butter
• 60 ml Corn syrup

How to cook Butternut Fritters

1. In a pot, boil the butternut until it’s cooked, then drain and mash it. Set aside to cool.
2. Combine the mashed butternut, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, egg, and milk in a large bowl. Mix together well.
3. Over a medium heat pour a generous amount of oil in a non-stick skillet.
4. Pour small amounts of dough into the hot oil, using a tablespoon or pastry bag and fry for 2 minutes on each side.
5. Butternut fritters swell when cooking, so be sure not to over crowd the pan.
6. Place the Butternut fritters on a paper towel.

Caramel

1. Combine the sugar and water into a saucepan and mix.
2. Next, add the corn syrup and continue stirring.
3. Over a medium-high heat, without mixing the caramel (may crystallise) heat for 10 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low-medium and slowly add the butter and cream and stir until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
5. Finally, remove from heat and let it cool for a bit. Serve with the butternut fritters.

Makes 8 to 10 Fritters

Just to sweeten the deal, treat yourself to some delicious gluten and sugar free brownies.

Bon Appétit!

Nutritional Info