Fried Carrot Sticks

Fried carrot sticks are a great vegetarian and colorful alternative to classic fish sticks or cheese sticks. Here’s how to prepare this tasty recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 large carrots
• 100 g of flour
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 egg (or cold water for a vegan version)
• Breadcrumbs to taste
• Seed oil for frying

Preparation

1. Clean and peel the carrots. Cut them into sticks about 1 cm thick and of the desired length.
2. Blanch the carrot sticks in slightly salted water for about 3-4 minutes, then drain them and let them cool.
3. In a bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
4. Beat the egg in another bowl and prepare some breadcrumbs on a plate.
5. Coat the carrot sticks first in the seasoned flour, then in the beaten egg (or cold water for the vegan version), and finally in the breadcrumbs, making sure the coating adheres well.
6. Heat plenty of oil in a frying pan and, when it is hot, fry the carrot sticks until they are golden and crispy.
7. Drain them on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
8. Serve immediately, offering sauces for dipping if desired.

Curiosity

Fried carrot sticks can be a fun and delicious way to make kids eat vegetables. Moreover, playing with spices in the breading can give them a more or less spicy flavor according to taste.

If you want an even more Italian touch, you could add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs or a pinch of dried herbs, such as oregano or basil, for a totally Mediterranean taste.