Batter for frying

The batter for frying is a very versatile basic preparation, used to fry vegetables, fish, or meat to a crunchy finish. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 100 g of flour
• 100 ml of cold sparkling water (you can replace it with beer for a lighter and crisper batter)
• 1 pinch of salt
• (Optional) a pinch of baking powder to make the batter puff up

Preparation

1. In a bowl, put the sifted flour and add the pinch of salt (and the baking powder if you decide to use it).
2. Gradually add the sparkling water (or beer) and mix with a whisk or a fork until the mixture is smooth. The sparkling water should be very cold to ensure a crunchier fry.
3. Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator before using it.
4. Dip the ingredients you wish to fry (already salted and dried) into the batter and fry them in hot oil until golden brown.

Curiosity

In Italian culinary tradition, the batter covers many elements with a thin layer that, when immersed in boiling oil, puffs up and becomes crispy, protecting the food and keeping it soft inside. The version with beer is much appreciated for its lightness and for the flavor it adds to the frying.