Island Callaloo Fritters

Isalnd Callaloo Fritters

You may be wondering where is the salt-fish that usually go in this island treat. Well remember this is a dairy and meat free blog except for one special post. But trust me you won't miss the salt-fish. We are keeping it all plant based. I enjoyed these so much after ordering them on one of our Island vacation in the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda. The restaurant was nestled amongst tree tops with a view of the picturesque back drop. We saw the different sea colors and felt the cool island breeze as we sipped on our drinks and waited for the callaloo fritters to arrive. They were nothing like mine. They were better but no fear you will enjoy making and eating my version. But I recommend if you ever visit the little but beautiful island Virgin Gorda, please indulge in their callaloo fritters.
We live in Jamaica now and everyone knows that fritters is a great snack but most importantly an easy breakfast staple that goes with bread or just by itself. One islander told me she always enjoys hers with a bowl of cornmeal porridge!
So let's get started on these delectable island treats!




Ingredients

• 1 cup of all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2-3 table spoons Extra Virgin Coconut oil
• 1/4 cup oil above for frying ( may need more so keep on hand)
• 1 cup water
• 2-3 table spoons Braggs Liquid Amino
• 1/2 medium onion chopped
• 1/2 of a green sweet pepper chopped
• 1 small tomato chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic (I love garlic)
• 1 scallion chopped                                                            
• 1 cup shredded callaloo(be careful not to use the stalk)
• Finely chop a small piece of scoth bonnet pepper for kicks!
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder and any other of your favorite dry                                                                   seasoning you like to cook with.                                 
•  A few pinches of leaves of dried thyme( yes because I can't                                                                     recall exactly how much. LOL!)

Directions:
Gather the following items: medium mixing bowl, mixing spoon, frying pan, a plate with drain paper or hand towel for draining excess oil from the fried fritters. In a medium bowl combine all dry ingredients. Then combine all wet ingredients. Then fold in all vegetables. If batter is too dry then add a little more water, table spoon at a time to ensure you have a thick but nice consistency. Almost thicker than pancake batter. If too wet then add more flour table spoon at a time to ensure the right consistency as described before. Taste the batter to see if the level of saltiness or flavor is to your liking. It will taste chalky but you can get an idea of what your fritter  may taste like. Set aside.
Heat a frying pan on medium flame or heat. Once pan is hot add oil, enough to go 1/4 inch above the bottom of pan. Use your mixing spoon to drop the batter in the pan taking care to not splash the hot oil. Depending on the size of your pan you should be able to fry at least 3-4 fritters at a time. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side or until you have achieved that golden brown color, and crisp. You should see the batter bubble or oil bubbling through the edges of the fritter batter before you turn to the other side to complete frying.
Note: Maintain a consistent heat throughout the whole cooking process to get crispy golden brown color. You will also need to maintain a consistent oil level in the pan and not allow it to dry out.
You have made some island callaloo fritters! If you were not impressed with this batter then remember you can always add or subtract some ingredient you were not particularly fond of. Remember tweak it a little. And as always enjoy a little taste of the island in the sun on behalf of Tasty Eden Treats!