Southwestern Corn Fritters

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Welcome to the world of Southwestern Corn Fritters — a delightful blend of crispy, savory, and just a hint of heat. Perfectly golden brown and packed with fresh corn and jalapeños, these fritters are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a cozy side dish at home.

Ingredients for Southwestern Corn Fritters

All-purpose flour forms the base that holds everything together. Cornmeal adds a nice texture and complements the corn. A touch of sugar balances the spice. Baking powder gives the fritters a little lift. Salt and black pepper season the batter perfectly, while paprika adds a subtle smokiness. Whole milk brings moisture and richness, and a large egg binds the ingredients together. Fresh corn kernels are the star, adding sweetness and crunch. Diced jalapeños provide the heat, while shredded cheddar cheese offers melty goodness. Chopped cilantro adds a fresh, bright note. Finally, vegetable oil is used for frying, ensuring a crispy exterior.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh corn for the best flavor, but canned or frozen can work in a pinch.
  • Adjust the jalapeños to your heat preference — more for a kick, less for a milder taste.
  • Make sure your oil is hot before frying to ensure a crispy texture.
  • Test one fritter first to check for seasoning and texture before frying the whole batch.

Serving Suggestions

These fritters are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or a zesty avocado dip. Serve alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad to balance out the meal. They're also fantastic with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of extra cilantro for a refreshing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a few hours in advance. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
What if I don't have cornmeal?
You can substitute with more all-purpose flour, though you'll miss some of the texture.
Are there other cheese options?
Yes, try pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for mild creaminess.

Southwestern Corn Fritters Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. This dry mix is the backbone of your batter. In a separate bowl, beat the milk and egg together until well combined. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined — you don’t want to overmix.

Next, gently fold in the corn kernels, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and cilantro. Make sure these are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistency in every bite.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the skillet. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight treat.
  • Combines sweet corn with a spicy kick for a unique flavor.
  • Versatile: serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
  • Great way to use up fresh corn from the farmer’s market.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 cup whole milk
1 large egg
2 cups fresh corn kernels
1/4 cup diced jalapeños
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. In another bowl, beat together the milk and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
3. Fold in the corn kernels, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and cilantro until evenly distributed.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the skillet and flatten slightly. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm.

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