Pumpkin Fritters

Pumpkin fritters are a delicious appetizer or autumnal snack that celebrates the flavors of the season. Here I present an Italian version of the dish.

Ingredients

• 300 g of cleaned pumpkin
• 200 g of flour
• 2 eggs
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 100 ml of milk
• 1 pinch of nutmeg
• 1 pinch of salt
• Seed oil for frying
• (Optional) A bit of chopped rosemary to add aroma

Preparation

1. Start by grating the pumpkin or cutting it into small cubes and cook until it becomes soft. You can steam it, boil it, or even bake it in the oven according to your preference. Once cooked, mash it with a fork to obtain a puree.

2. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree with the flour and eggs to create a homogeneous batter.

3. Gradually add the milk to adjust the consistency of the batter – it should be thick enough to fall slowly from the spoon.

4. Incorporate the grated Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and, if you wish, the chopped rosemary.

5. Heat the oil in a deep pan. To check if the oil is at the right temperature, you can dip a wooden toothpick in it; if you see bubbles forming around it, the oil is ready.

6. Use two spoons or an ice cream scoop to take the batter and gently pour it into the hot oil. Fry the fritters until they become golden on both sides.

7. Drain the fritters on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve them hot.

A little known fact: in Italy, pumpkin fritters can have many regional variations. Some versions include the addition of herbs or spices, while others are enriched with raisins or pine nuts for a sweet touch. If you prefer a spicier version, you could add chopped chili to the batter. Enjoy your meal!