Mirliton fritters

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Vegetable oil for frying
2mediumsMirlitons, peeled, seeded,
And cut into 1/2-inch cubes
½teaspoonLiquid crab boil
Salt and cayenne pepper
1tablespoonOlive oil
4ouncesAndouille sausage, finely
Chopped
½cupChopped onions
1tablespoonChopped garlic
3Eggs
1cupMilk
½teaspoonCayenne pepper
5teaspoonsBaking powder
cupAll-purpose flour
1tablespoonFinely chopped parsley
Essence

Directions

Preheat the fryer. Put the mirlitons in a saucepan and cover with water. Season the liquid with crab boil and salt. Boil, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes, or until fork tender. Cool under tap water and drain thoroughly. Mash slightly with a fork and set aside. In a saute pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the sausage and render for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the onions and continue to saute for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the garlic. Cool the mixture completely. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and cayenne together. Combine the baking powder and flour, whisk into egg mixture in small amounts until all of it is incorporated and the batter is smooth. Stir in parsley. Stir in the mirlitons and andouille mixture and mix well. Drop a heaping tablespoon of the batter into the hot oil. When the fritters pop to the surface, roll them around in the oil using a long-handled spatula or tongs until they are evenly browned. Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season the fritters with Essence and serve.

Yield: about 2 dozen

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