Preparation time: 5 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Makes 6 servings
This recipe was developed after we ran out of time in the middle of making stuffed chiles. We just mixed everything together. Fortunately, the fritters ended up being far easier and even more delicious than the original version. These also freeze well to reheat for a quick snack or side dish on a busy day.
• 1 egg
• 1½ cups sparkling water or beer
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2¼ cups chickpea flour (see Tip, here)
• 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces New Mexican green chiles or other chiles of your choice, roasted, peeled, and chopped (or canned green chiles), or more to taste
• ¼ cup neutral-tasting oil, such as high-oleic safflower or avocado oil
• ½ cup Fresh Salsa (here)
Beat the egg with the sparkling water and salt in a large bowl. Add the chickpea flour and blend with a whisk or immersion blender until smooth. Stir in the cheese and chiles.
Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Drop 2 tablespoons of the batter at a time to form mini fritters, or 3 tablespoons at a time for larger fritters, into the hot oil. Cook until browned on the bottom, then flip and cook until browned on the other side, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove with a spatula and transfer to a baking sheet. Keep warm in a 200ºF oven until ready to serve. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Garnish the fritters with salsa and serve.
Calories: 359
Carbohydrate: 25 g
Protein: 16 g
Fat: 22 g
Variations
Add 1½ pounds cooked protein to the batter when you add the cheese and chiles. For example, add cooked ground beef, Shredded Chicken (here), or Crumbled Tempeh (here).
Phase 1 Meal: Serve with a heaping ⅓ cup Shredded Chicken (here) or 3 to 4 ounces of your favorite vegetarian protein and a side of salad greens and chopped raw vegetables tossed with 1 to 2 teaspoons Lime Cilantro Pesto (here). For Dessert: 1 cup strawberries topped with 1 heaping tablespoon Cardamom Whipped Cream (here).
Calories: 606; Carbohydrate: 26%; Protein: 26%; Fat: 48%
Phase 2 Meal: Serve with ⅓ cup Shredded Chicken (here) or 3 to 4 ounces of your favorite vegetarian protein and ⅓ cup Mexican Rice (here). For Dessert: 1 cup strawberries.
Calories: 622; Carbohydrate: 35%; Protein: 24%; Fat: 41%
Phase 3 Meal: Serve with a bowl (1¼ cups) of Cuban Black Bean Soup (here). For Dessert: ½ to 1 cup strawberries.
Calories: 620; Carbohydrate: 44%; Protein: 18%; Fat: 38%