Tropea Onion Fritters

Tropea onion fritters are a simple and delicious dish, typical of the Calabrian tradition, where the sweetness of the Tropea red onions perfectly matches the crispiness of the frying. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 300 g of Tropea red onions
• 150 g of wheat flour (00 or wholemeal if you prefer)
• About 100 ml of sparkling water
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil (or other oil for frying)

Preparation

1. Begin by thinly slicing the Tropea onions.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt (and pepper if you like).
3. Gradually add the sparkling water to the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until you obtain a batter that is not too thick but also not too runny.
4. Dip the sliced onions in the batter and mix well to ensure they are all evenly coated.
5. Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan and, when it has reached the right temperature (you can test it with a piece of onion, if it starts to fry immediately it’s ready), use a fork or spoon to pick up portions of the batter-covered onions and gently lay them in the hot oil.
6. Fry the fritters until they are golden brown on both sides, then lift them out with a slotted spoon and transfer them to paper towels to remove the excess oil.
7. Serve the onion fritters hot and crispy.

Curiosity

Tropea onions are famous for their sweet and delicate taste, so much so that they are recognized as a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) product. They represent a versatile ingredient in the kitchen and are particularly appreciated for the preparation of fresh and light dishes, as well as delicate fritters like these.

Enjoy this tasty Calabrian appetizer!