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Fried Sage in Batter

17/11/2023

Fried sage in batter is a simple and aromatic appetizer, typical of Italian cuisine. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 20 large, whole fresh sage leaves
  • 100 g of wheat flour
  • 120 ml of cold sparkling water
  • 1 egg
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying (preferably olive or seed for a neutral taste)

Preparation

  1. Start by gently washing the sage leaves and patting them dry with kitchen paper.
  2. Prepare the batter by mixing the flour with the egg and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the sparkling water, continuing to stir until you get a smooth and homogeneous mixture. The sparkling water will help make the batter lighter and crisper.
  3. Heat plenty of oil in a deep-sided pan. The oil is ready when a drop of batter plunged into it sizzles and fries immediately.
  4. Dip the sage leaves one at a time into the batter, making sure to cover them completely.
  5. Fry the sage leaves in hot oil until they become golden and crispy, being careful to turn them once for even cooking.
  6. When ready, lift them out with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  7. Serve the fried sage leaves hot and crispy.

Note:

If you prefer a slightly different version, you can add a little beer to your batter instead of sparkling water, or a pinch of nutmeg for a spicy note.

Fried sage in batter is a dish that encapsulates the full aromatic flavor of sage in a crispy shell. In Italy, it is served as an appetizer or as a delightful accompaniment to an aperitif. Its simplicity has its roots in peasant cuisine, where aromatic herbs were used to flavor simple yet tasty dishes. Enjoy your meal!