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Sweet Pumpkin Fritters
(84 votes, average: 3.76 out of 5)
Loading...Squash and sweet potatoes are cornerstones of longevity diets in all blue zones areas, so I was pleasantly surprised to see pumpkins growing in the highlands of Sardinia. And the very first recipe we discovered there was this tasty confection called thippulas: soft and smooth on the inside and sweet and crisp on the outside. With its delicate flavor, saffron—more readily available and affordable in Sardinia than in the United States—is a wonderful addition to this dish. If your budget affords it, then we recommend including it in your fritters, but this recipe is perfectly delicious without it as well. Besides being a prized culinary spice around the world, saffron, recent research shows, is made up of chemical compounds that support respiratory, digestive, and heart health.
Note: While nothing is off limits for the Blue Zones way of life, deep-fried foods are not an every day or every week occurrence and are saved for celebratory occasions.
Total Cook Time: 20 minutes | Makes 4 Servings
Source: The Blue Zones Kitchen
Ingredients
One 15-ounce can pumpkin puree*
Pinch of salt
1 cup flour (more if needed)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup water
½ teaspoon saffron (optional)
Zest from ½ lemon
½ cup applesauce
Olive or vegetable oil, for frying
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
Directions
- In a medium bowl mix together all ingredients, except oil and sugar, to make the dough.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 inch of oil to 350 degrees. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, dip the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil. If the oil bubbles around the handle, it’s ready for frying.
- Spoon tablespoons of dough into hot oil to make fritters, making sure to leave space between them, and cook them in batches.
- Fry both sides for 2-3 minutes or until golden, and then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Roll lightly in sugar and serve warm.
*The flesh of a Sardinian pumpkin differs from the jack-o-lantern pumpkins in America, which are too fibrous and watery. That’s why we’ve subbed in canned pumpkin puree. But you can also substitute pureed acorn or butternut squash.
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